Online Games to Improve Children’s Knowledge of Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines – A Pilot Study

L Suzanne Suggs,Natalie Rangelov,Aurora Occa,Andreas Schmeil,Olga Radchuk

doi:10.5539/gjhs.v9n4p134

L Suzanne Suggs, Natalie Rangelov + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v9n4p134

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Abstract

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle during childhood are difficult to overestimate and computer games represent a promising intervention to promote healthy lifestyles in children. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of online games for improving children’s knowledge of healthy nutrition and physical activity (PA) guidelines. Using an experimental design, we aimed to understand if children aged 7-9 liked this type of intervention, if baseline knowledge of PA or nutrition guidelines improved after playing one of two games, and beyond those of the control condition, and if one game was more effective than the other. Each intervention, including the control, resulted in positive change, showing an overall improved knowledge. The game with the greatest improvements was the more interactive game that gave feedback along the way. Our pilot study showed that games may be useful in promoting healthy lifestyles to children.

Highlights

Unhealthy diet and insufficient physical activity are linked to preventable health related problems, including overweight and obesity among many others
Our pilot study showed that games may be useful in promoting healthy lifestyles to children
We aimed to understand if children liked this type of intervention, if baseline knowledge of physical activity (PA) or nutrition guidelines improved after playing one of two games, and beyond those of the control condition, and if one game was more effective than the other one, given the difference in design between the two games

Summary

Introduction

Unhealthy diet and insufficient physical activity are linked to preventable health related problems, including overweight and obesity among many others. Health behaviors in childhood are associated with health behaviors in adulthood and food preferences of children form the basis for their future eating behavior (Cooke, 2007). The benefits of a healthy lifestyle during childhood are difficult to overestimate and make interventions aimed at improving knowledge of healthy behaviors especially important (Anderson, Baird, Davis Jr, Ferreri, Knudtson, Koraym, Waters, & Williams, 2009). Computer games represent an opportune media-based intervention to promote healthy lifestyles (Baranowski, Buday, Thompson, & Baranowski, 2008). Educational games allow children to gain knowledge while having fun. Studies have shown positive effects of entertainment-education health programs and their ability to improve knowledge, enhance existing skills, develop new skills, and change behavior (Baranowski et al, 2008)

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