Exergames (e.g., Nintendo Wii) Produce Results

Today's MedPage had a story "Exergaming Provides Real Exercise for Kids." The story reported: "Exergames, like those played on the Nintendo Wii, get kids up and moving -- burning energy at levels comparable to the moderate to vigorous exercises recommended to keep children fit, according to a small study."

The original research study was published online March 7,2011, in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in an article by B.W. Bailey and K. McInnis titled "Energy Cost of Exergaming: A Comparison of the Energy Cost of 6 Forms of Exergaming." These researchers reported: "All games used in our study elevated energy expenditure to moderate or vigorous intensity."

In an article in the same issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sallis remarked on Bailey and McInnis' research saying: "We can conclude that a wide array of exergames on different video game systems have the potential to increase physical activity and energy expenditure, especially considering how many adolescents are likely to have the equipment at home."

It seems to me that RTs should use these findings in several ways. First, these findings would lead RTs to encourage their young clients to get exercise via the exergames. Second, those in RT may want to conduct their own studies on the use of exergames. Finally, the use of exergames, it would appear, should be extended to older clients as well.