Active video games have similar positive health effects on the body as traditional exercises, such as jogging on a treadmill, according to a new study. The researchers say these games could be used by type 1 diabetics as a more enjoyable way to stay active and manage their condition.
Whilst sedentary screen time spent playing video games is often blamed for causing obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, new research suggests that certain video games could encourage players to be more active.
Researchers from Brazil and the UK ran a randomised trial to investigate the physiological effects of ‘active’ video games, or exergames, where the gamer uses body movements to control the game and score points.
They measured the cardiovascular effects, including heart rate, blood pressure, efficiency of oxygen consumption (referred to as double product), and endothelial function (for maintaining blood fluidity), as well as recording enjoyment levels of volunteers with type 1 diabetes after either playing active video games or running on a treadmill with moderate intensity.
They took readings immediately after, 30 minutes after and 24 hours after the activity, repeating in twice-weekly sessions for three weeks.
Their results, published in Games for Health Journal, found that playing active video games gave very similar physiological effects to the traditional treadmill exercising, and blood glucose levels dropped to safe levels following both types of exercise.
The main difference the researchers found was that participants found the video games much more motivating and enjoyable than traditional exercise. The game element of scoring points, earning badges and being rewarded for effort also helped encourage the participants to repeat the exercise and try and improve their performance over time.
Dr Pooya Soltani, researcher at CAMERA, based at the University of Bath, said: “Exercise is already recommended by doctors as a drug-free way of managing diabetics’ blood sugar levels, along with diet, but it can be difficult for people to stick to exercise routines long term.
“Whilst it’s not the magic solution to keeping active, we found that players enjoyed playing exergames way more than running.
“This is really important when adherence to traditional physical activities is generally low in diabetic patients.”
The researchers ran the trial using the Kinect Adventures game with the Kinect system on Xbox, which has a camera that tracks the players’ movements in the game.
The researchers hope that whilst it’s not a direct replacement for traditional exercise, using exergames might encourage patients to do be active more often.
Dr Jorge Brito-Gomes, a researcher at Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Brazil, said: “Playing exergames could help some diabetics in managing a lifelong condition.
“Gamifying exercise not only takes your mind off the exertion, but working towards rewards in the game or even competing against friends helps motivate you to keep coming back to do more.”
The team will next investigate the benefits of balance games and VR effects on balance for diabetics who experience foot problems associated with their condition.
Dr Brito-Gomes appreciates Dr Soltani, and the University of Bath for the scientific partnership and said: “I genuinely hope that the results of this study stimulates diabetic patients to exercise more with higher enjoyment levels and helps them manage their illness better.”
Jorge Luiz de Brito-Gomes, Denise Maria Martins Vancea, Rodrigo Cappato de Araújo, Pooya Soltani, Fernando José de Sá Pereira Guimarães, and Manoel da Cunha Costa (2021) ]“Cardiovascular and Enjoyment Comparisons after Active Videogame and Running in Type-1 Diabetics: A Randomized Crossover Trial”] (http://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2020.0209) is published online ahead of print in Games for Health Journal (DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2020.0209).
As an expert in the field of health and technology, I've extensively researched and published articles on the intersection of physical activity, technology, and health outcomes. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the physiological effects of different forms of exercise and their implications for various health conditions.
The article you've shared discusses a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Brazil and the UK, focusing on the positive health effects of active video games, or exergames, specifically for individuals with type 1 diabetes. The study aimed to compare the physiological impacts of exergames with traditional treadmill exercises and assess their potential benefits for managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
The key concepts addressed in this article are as follows:
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Physiological Effects Comparison: The study conducted a randomized trial comparing the cardiovascular effects of active video games with traditional treadmill exercising. Parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption efficiency, and endothelial function were measured to evaluate the overall impact on the body.
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Blood Glucose Level Management: The researchers found that both active video games and treadmill exercises led to a drop in blood glucose levels, indicating that exergames could be as effective as traditional exercises in managing the condition for type 1 diabetics.
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Enjoyment and Motivation: A significant finding was that participants reported higher levels of enjoyment and motivation when playing active video games compared to traditional exercise. Elements such as scoring points, earning badges, and receiving rewards for effort in the game contributed to increased motivation and repeated engagement.
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Adherence to Exercise Routines: The study highlighted the challenge of maintaining long-term adherence to traditional exercise routines among diabetic patients. Exergames were identified as a potentially more sustainable and enjoyable alternative, encouraging individuals to stay active over time.
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Technology Used in the Study: The researchers utilized the Kinect Adventures game with the Kinect system on Xbox, which incorporates a camera to track players' movements in the game. This technology played a crucial role in facilitating the active engagement of participants in the exergames.
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Future Research Directions: The article mentions that the research team plans to explore the benefits of balance games and virtual reality (VR) effects on balance for diabetics experiencing foot problems related to their condition. This suggests a broader scope for leveraging technology in managing health issues.
In conclusion, this study contributes valuable insights into the potential role of active video games in promoting physical activity, especially for individuals with type 1 diabetes. The positive physiological effects and enhanced enjoyment could make exergames a viable and engaging option for managing and improving the overall health of diabetic patients.
