Abstract
BackgroundExcessive body weight, low physical activity and excessive sedentary time in youth are major public health concerns. A new generation of video games, the ones that require physical activity to play the games –i.e. active games- may be a promising alternative to traditional non-active games to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors in youth. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the design of a study evaluating the effects of a family oriented active game intervention, incorporating several motivational elements, on anthropometrics and health behaviors in adolescents.Methods/DesignThe study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT), with non-active gaming adolescents aged 12 – 16 years old randomly allocated to a ten month intervention (receiving active games, as well as an encouragement to play) or a waiting-list control group (receiving active games after the intervention period). Primary outcomes are adolescents’ measured BMI-SDS (SDS = adjusted for mean standard deviation score), waist circumference-SDS, hip circumference and sum of skinfolds. Secondary outcomes are adolescents’ self-reported time spent playing active and non-active games, other sedentary activities and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. In addition, a process evaluation is conducted, assessing the sustainability of the active games, enjoyment, perceived competence, perceived barriers for active game play, game context, injuries from active game play, activity replacement and intention to continue playing the active games.DiscussionThis is the first adequately powered RCT including normal weight adolescents, evaluating a reasonably long period of provision of and exposure to active games. Next, strong elements are the incorporating motivational elements for active game play and a comprehensive process evaluation. This trial will provide evidence regarding the potential contribution of active games in prevention of excessive weight gain in adolescents.Trial registrationDutch Trial register NTR3228.
Highlights
Excessive body weight, low physical activity and excessive sedentary time in youth are major public health concerns
Strong elements are the incorporating motivational elements for active game play and a comprehensive process evaluation. This trial will provide evidence regarding the potential contribution of active games in prevention of excessive weight gain in adolescents
This paper describes the design of a trial to test the effects of a family oriented active game intervention on anthropometrics and self-reported behavior among adolescents
Summary
This paper describes the design of a trial to test the effects of a family oriented active game intervention on anthropometrics and self-reported behavior among adolescents. The encouragement for the intervention group to replace at least one hour per week of non-active gaming with active gaming, is based on calculations in adults demonstrating that excessive weight gain can be prevented if the energy balance is affected by 70 kcal per week This was the best estimation that could be made when designing the study, because no child specific equation was available at that time. This will occur in both groups resulting in potential bias towards the null This trial will provide important new information on the potential contribution of active games to the prevention of excessive weight gain in adolescents and the process evaluation will provide relevant information for future active games studies on factors hindering or promoting active game play.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
