Impact of Nintendo Wii Games on Physical Literacy in Children: Motor Skills, Physical Fitness, Activity Behaviors, and Knowledge.

Amanda M George,Jeannette Byrne,Linda E Rohr

doi:10.3390/sports4010003

Abstract

Physical literacy is the degree of fitness, behaviors, knowledge, and fundamental movement skills (agility, balance, and coordination) a child has to confidently participate in physical activity. Active video games (AVG), like the Nintendo Wii, have emerged as alternatives to traditional physical activity by providing a non-threatening environment to develop physical literacy. This study examined the impact of AVGs on children’s (age 6–12, N = 15) physical literacy. For six weeks children played one of four pre-selected AVGs (minimum 20 min, twice per week). Pre and post measures of motivation, enjoyment, and physical literacy were completed. Results indicated a near significant improvement in aiming and catching (p = 0.06). Manual dexterity significantly improved in males (p = 0.001), and females felt significantly less pressured to engage in PA (p = 0.008). Overall, there appears to be some positive impact of an AVG intervention on components of physical literacy.

Highlights

Physical literacy is an important factor in child development
The present study investigated the effect of Active video games (AVG) (Nintendo Wii) on the physical literacy, enjoyment, motivation, and competency in children
Overall, playing Wii games produces some benefits to specific domains of physical literacy

Summary

Introduction

Physical literacy is an important factor in child development. Developing basic skills to move around confidently at an early age is critical, enabling lifelong participation in various physical activities, including rhythmic (dance) and sports [1,2]. Physical literacy includes four main domains; physical activity behaviors, physical fitness, awareness/knowledge and understanding, and motor skills [2]. Physical activity behaviors include directly measurable daily activities, such as wearing a pedometer to track daily steps. Knowledge, and understanding summarize how an individual thinks about physical activity and its importance [2]. The motor skills domain refers directly to an individual’s physical competency, and includes mastery of fundamental movement skills, including balance, coordination and agility. It is critical that these skills are developed for future success in physical activities [1,2]

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Discussion

Conclusion