What cannot be prevented without friction and fight can be turned into advantage. Video games are one of the latest trends of the young generation and often a concern factor among parents. Now, parents can relax.
Researchers have found the effectiveness of active video gaming in increasing the physical activity of children.
The findings come at a time when children are spending very less time on physical activity and the country is struggling hard to prevent childhood obesity.
"Although it is unlikely that active video game play can single-handedly provide the recommended amount of physical activity for children or expend the number of calories required to prevent or reverse the obesity epidemic, it appears from the results of this study that Kinect active game play can contribute to children's physical activity levels and energy expenditure, at least in the short term," the authors stated, in a news release.
Stephen R. Smallwood, and colleagues from the University of Chester, England included 18 school children aged between 11 and 15 to examine the advantages of active video gaming, having a webcam-style sensor device and software technology - like Dance Central and Kinect Sports Boxing.
Results showed the active video gaming with dancing and boxing helping to increase movement, heart rate, and oxygen uptake and energy expenditure of the children.
Energy expenditure was found increasing both with the Dance Central (150 percent) and Kinect Sports Boxing (263 percent) making them 103 percent and 194 percent higher compared to traditional video games
"Significant increases were observed in heart rate, VO2 [oxygen uptake] and energy expenditure during all gaming conditions compared with both rest and sedentary game play," the authors said.
Findings of the study have been published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
Following are some of the best active games recommended by parents connect.com :
* Nickelodeon Fit (Wii)
* Wii Sports Resort
* Family Party: Fitness Fun (Wii)
* Kinect Sports ( Xbox 360)
* Just Dance 2 (Wii)
* Kidz Bop Dance Party! The Video Game (Wii)
* Mario Party 8 (Wii)
* Go, Diego, Go! Great Dinosaur Rescue (Wii)
