Abstract

Video games have become increasingly popular in our society. More and more new manufactured games include real physical activity. Because of this, the aim of the following study is to investigate whether playing with Nintendo Wii Sports has an effect on health promotion. The centre of this study is the boxing game within the Nintendo Wii Sports bundle. Therefore, a total of 15 sport science students (eight males and seven females, M (age)=24+/-1.69 years) were chosen to take part in the study. To measure the physical activity level while playing, the students were attached with five accelerometers (two right above the ankles, two right above the wrists, and one around the hip) plus one heart-rate sensor on the chest. Students were filmed by two cameras from different angles while playing. After having finished playing, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire relating to health aspects and immediate gaming experience. The result of this study shows that there are indications of a positive effect for energy expenditure (average EE=8.27 kJ/min.) while playing the Nintendo Wii Sports boxing game. There is a positive tendency that this video game might lead to a healthy lifestyle and health promotion. Verf.-Referat