Abstract
Given the cultural emphasis on academic achievement and environmental constraints to physical activity (PA), active video games (AVGs) may be used to decrease sedentary behavior and increase PA of Hong Kong children. This study explored the potential of a school-based AVG intervention on sedentary time, PA, body composition, and psychosocial factors among children. Eighty-seven children (intervention n = 30) were recruited from one primary school. Classes in Grades 4–6 were allocated to either the intervention group or the control group in a 2:1 ratio. The eight-week intervention involved children playing AVGs in an after-school class twice a week. Participants in the control group continued with their usual activities. Outcome included the change of participants in sedentary time, PA, percentage body fat, body mass index (BMI), and psychosocial variables (enjoyment, self-efficacy and social support), from baseline to eight weeks. No significant group differences were observed in sedentary time (−33.9 min/day, 95% CI −70.8 to 4.8; p = 0.07). The intervention group significantly increased total PA (53.7 counts/min, 95% CI 8.6 to 104.2; p = 0.04) compared with those in the control condition. No differences were found in body composition and psychosocial variables. However, significant treatment effects were found on BMI z score among boys (−0.1, 95% CI −0.2 to 0; p = 0.04). An eight-week school-based AVG intervention delivered during after-school hours was effective in increasing activity levels among Hong Kong children. The treatment effects of AVGs on sedentary behavior and body composition need to be further demonstrated in a more robust study, especially in boys.
Highlights
Children are widely recommended to engage in at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) every day [1,2], and decrease sedentary screen activities to at most 2 h per day [3] for health
This study aimed to explore the potential of a school-based active video games (AVGs) intervention on sedentary time, PA, body composition, and psychosocial factors among Hong Kong children
The intervention ratings of participants were positive (3.6 out of 5). These results together with the treatment effects are promising to show that the intervention could be well accepted by inactive and low sport competence children, and encourage them to get active
Summary
Children are widely recommended to engage in at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) every day [1,2], and decrease sedentary screen activities to at most 2 h per day [3] for health. A large proportion of Hong Kong primary school children did not achieve these PA recommendations [5]. This may result in the high prevalence of overweight/obesity among this population [6]. The rates of overweight/obesity were consistently higher in boys than in girls in the last decade [7]. These data call for effective strategies to increase PA levels and prevent obesity among primary school children in Hong Kong, especially in boys
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