Physiologic Responses, Liking and Motivation for Playing a Video Game on a Physically Interactive Versus a Traditional Gaming System

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that individuals playing certain physically interactive video games on the Nintendo Wii exhibit increased energy expenditure (assessed via oxygen consumption (VO2)), liking and relative reinforcing value (RRV) versus sedentary video games. However, previous research has focused only upon exercise-mimicking Wii games such as Wii Sports and Wii Fit. Furthermore, there have been no comparisons of games that are available on both the Wii system and other, sedentary systems. PURPOSE: To assess VO2, liking and RRV of a popular, non-Wii Sports video game for the Nintendo Wii (EA Sports Madden NFL 2011) relative to the same game played on a traditional sedentary video gaming system (Sony Playstation 2 (PS2)) and to compare the physiologic responses and liking of both games to the previously evaluated Wii Sports Boxing. METHODS: VO2 and liking were recorded in 15 participants (23.2 ± 2.7 years old, N=8 females, N=7 males) during three 10-minute conditions; playing a sedentary video game (PS2 Madden) and two physically interactive games (Wii Sports Boxing and Wii Madden). VO2 was also recorded during 10-minutes of supine rest. Finally, participants performed an operant button pressing task using a progressive fixed ratio schedule to assess the RRV of Wii Madden versus PS2 Madden. Subjects worked to earn access to a total of 11 minutes for Wii Madden or PS2 Madden or a combination of the two games. The output maximum (Omax) or maximum number of responses performed to earn access to each game was the measure of RRV. RESULTS: Analysis of variance demonstrated a main effect for condition (p < 0.001) as VO2 (5.2 ± 0.2 ml·kg-1·min-1 Wii, 4.1 ± 0.1 ml·kg-1·min-1 PS2, 3.8 ± 0.1 ml·kg-1·min-1, rest) was greater for Wii Madden than PS2 Madden and rest. VO2 (10.6 ± 1.0 ml·kg-1·min-1) for Wii Sports Boxing was significantly greater than Wii Madden (p < 0.001). Omax and liking were not significantly different (p ≥ 0.14) between Wii Madden and PS2 Madden. CONCLUSION: Playing the Nintendo Wii version of Madden NFL Football increases energy expenditure to a greater extent than playing PS2 Madden but less than Wii Sports Boxing. Participants equally liked and were equally motivated to play both PS2 Madden and the more physiologically challenging Wii Madden.