Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of and adherence to an active video game promotion intervention on anthropometrics, sedentary screen time and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks among non-active video gaming adolescents who primarily were of healthy weight.MethodsWe assigned 270 gaming (i.e. ≥2 hours/week non-active video game time) adolescents randomly to an intervention group (n = 140) (receiving active video games and encouragement to play) or a waiting-list control group (n = 130). BMI-SDS (SDS = adjusted for mean standard deviation score), waist circumference-SDS, hip circumference and sum of skinfolds were measured at baseline, at four and ten months follow-up (primary outcomes). Sedentary screen time, physical activity, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks, and process measures (not at baseline) were assessed with self-reports at baseline, one, four and ten months follow-up. Multi-level-intention to treat-regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThe control group decreased significantly more than the intervention group on BMI-SDS (β = 0.074, 95%CI: 0.008;0.14), and sum of skinfolds (β = 3.22, 95%CI: 0.27;6.17) (overall effects). The intervention group had a significantly higher decrease in self-reported non-active video game time (β = -1.76, 95%CI: -3.20;-0.32) and total sedentary screen time (Exp (β = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.74;0.88) than the control group (overall effects). The process evaluation showed that 14% of the adolescents played the Move video games every week ≥1 hour/week during the whole intervention period.ConclusionsThe active video game intervention did not result in lower values on anthropometrics in a group of ‘excessive’ non-active video gamers (mean ~ 14 hours/week) who primarily were of healthy weight compared to a control group throughout a ten-month-period. Even some effects in the unexpected direction were found, with the control group showing lower BMI-SDS and skin folds than the intervention group. The intervention did result in less self-reported sedentary screen time, although these results are likely biased by social desirability.Trial RegistrationDutch Trial Register NTR3228
Highlights
Overweight and insufficient physical activity in youth are major public health concerns because of their associations with multiple chronic diseases [1,2,3,4]
The active video game intervention did not result in lower values on anthropometrics in a group of ‘excessive’ non-active video gamers who primarily were of healthy weight compared to a control group throughout a ten-month-period
The intervention did result in less selfreported sedentary screen time, these results are likely biased by social desirability
Summary
Overweight and insufficient physical activity in youth are major public health concerns because of their associations with multiple chronic diseases [1,2,3,4]. Independent of physical activity, excessive sedentary time might negatively affect health, the evidence surrounding this issue is inconsistent [5,6]. The adolescent period is characterized by a decline in physical activity [7,8], a high amount of sedentary screen time [9,10] and unfavorable changes in body composition (e.g. the amount and location of body fat) [11]. Active video games might be capable of contributing to the prevention of excessive weight gain (i.e. weight gain that exceeds the weight gain required for regular growth)
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