Can active video games improve physical fitness in children and adolescents?

Erica Y. Lau*, Patrick W.C. Lau, Del P. Wong

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    Abstract

    Maintaining good level of physical fitness (PF) is important to the health of children and adolescents. Unfortunately, many countries shown that children and adolescent's PF level was declining in the past decade and this declination was found to be associated with low level of physical activity (PA). Although insufficient PA was attributed by multiple factors, prolong exposure to screen-based activities (i.e., TV viewing and video game plays) was claimed as one of the major factors. Growing body of evidence has been suggesting that Active Video Game (AVG) play may be a promising tool to reverse this physically inactive lifestyle in children and adolescents. However, before applying AVG on PA and PF interventions, a better understanding on this emerging tool is essential. The purposes of this chapter are to provide an overview regarding the rationale and efficacy of applying AVG to promote PA and PF in children and adolescents. In additional, potential challenges for AVG research are also discussed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationPhysical Fitness
    Subtitle of host publicationTraining, Effects, and Maintaining
    EditorsMark A. Powell
    PublisherNova Science Publishers
    Chapter6
    Pages107-120
    Number of pages14
    ISBN (Electronic)9781621000433
    ISBN (Print)9781617286728
    Publication statusPublished - 2011

    Publication series

    NameSports and Athletics Preparation, Performance, and Psychology
    PublisherNova Science Publishers

    Scopus Subject Areas

    • Health Professions(all)

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