Exergames Research Articles

Video Game Interaction Related to Increased Present Attention in College Students

Abstract Action video games require a high level of attention and almost automatic psychomotor reactions from the player. Therefore, this study aims to verify the relationship between the amount of hours of interaction with action video games and private self-awareness and attention to the present moment. In total, 1,315 college students were recruited (M = 21.6 years; SD = 2.7), who responded to the Digital Entertainment and Information Use Questionnaire, the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, and the Full Attention and Awareness Scale. Statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s Post-Hoc Tests) indicated a relationship between hours of video game interaction, attention to the present, and self-reflection. It is concluded that playing action video games regularly and for a certain period of time is related to a lower predisposition to turn attention to oneself and to lower impulsivity, but to a higher disposition to focus on everyday experiences (attention to the present).

Impact of Action Video Gaming Behavior on Attention, Anxiety, and Sleep Among University Students.

BackgroundRecently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of action video gaming among adolescents and young adults. This has made video gaming a topic of interest for behavioral and higher brain cognitive function researchers. The present study investigated the impact and consequences of action video gaming on human behavior—specifically, attention, anxiety levels, and sleep patterns.ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the potential associations between action video gaming and attention, anxiety, and sleep.MethodsRecruited participants (N = 97) were asked to independently complete an online questionnaire consisting of 4 sections: demographic data, gaming behavior, 8-item Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorders Scale. Participants were further divided into 2 groups (expert and non-expert video gamers) based on the number of hours they spent on action video games. After completing the questionnaires, the patients attended an on-site session, where they completed a validated psychological online battery test that assessed their sustained attention.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 21 years. There was a significant difference in attention between expert and non-expert video gamers; when exposed to stimuli, expert gamers displayed significantly shorter reaction times than the non-expert gamers (p < 0.05). Both groups showed a non-significant decrease in attention span throughout time. The data demonstrated no statistically significant difference in anxiety levels or daytime sleepiness between expert and non-expert video gamers, and minimal to mild anxiety levels were reported in most expert and non-expert gamers.ConclusionExpert video gamers were significantly more attentive compared to non-expert gamers, and most participants showed low levels of generalized anxiety. Accordingly, expanding our knowledge on the effects of action video games on attention span is important for creatively using games in the field of education, especially for those who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.

Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions on Pain During Wound Care in Burn Patients; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Burn patients undergo daily painful wound care procedures, including washing, debridement, and dressing. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effect of virtual reality (VR)-based interventions on pain during wound care in burn patients. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted on international electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science with keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as "Virtual reality", "Virtual reality therapy", "Virtual reality exposure therapy", "Virtual reality immersion therapy", "Exergaming", "Active-video gaming", "Burns", "Wound healings", "Pain", and "Pain management" from the earliest to May 6, 2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of randomized control trials and quasi-experimental studies. 1,293 patients with burns were included in 30 studies, and their mean age was 22.89 (SD=7.63) years. 70.72% of the participants were male, and 67.05% were in the intervention group. This meta-analysis showed that VR significantly decreased pain severity in the intervention group compared to the control group (standard mean difference (SMD): -0.70, 95%CI: -0.97 to -0.43, Z=5.05, P<0.001, I2:82.0%). Immersive VR intervention showed statistically significant effects in reducing pain intensity among the intervention group, compared to the control group (SMD: -0.73, 95%CI: -0.97 to -0.49, Z=5.88, P<0.001, I2:69.3%); however, this finding was not the same for non-immersive VR (SMD: -0.62, 95%CI: -1.43 to 0.19, Z=1.51, P=0.132, I2:91.2%). It is suggested that health policymakers and managers equip burn wards with immersive VR devices to provide the basis for this intervention when caring for patients with burn wounds.

The Effects of Xbox Kinect Active Video Gaming on Executive Function, Inhibition, in Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sedentary video gaming (SVG), active video gaming (AVG), and brisk walking (WLK) on inhibition and reaction time using the Flanker task in boys with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We had 9 participants with ASD and 10 age-matched participants without ASD perform 20-minute bouts of each activity, and then had them take the Flanker test. Dependent measures were reaction time (RT) and accuracy (ACC). A Chi-Square analysis revealed that the ASD and TD groups significantly differed in the percent of participants who improved in both of these measures. Next, we looked at each of the conditions exclusively within the ASD group and compared congruent and incongruent trials. In the AVG condition, participants improved a significantly higher percentage on ACC. In the SVG condition, participants improved a significantly higher percentage on incongruent in RT; for ACC, a higher percentage improved on the congruent trials. In WLK, participants improved a significantly higher percentage in RT in the congruent condition.

Exergaming: A new technology for all domains of elder people

Background and Objectives: Exergaming or exergames appears to be now promising training in this technological era. Exergaming have a various effects on different age group people. Here our focus is to discuss its effect in all domains of elderly. Aging leads to a various body system changes and decline in function of almost all system. Here we have discussed positive and critical aspect of using exergaming in elder people. Articles were searched in various databases such as google scholar, pub med, IEEE Xplore, science direct with Boolean operators and articulating different terms such as exergaming, exergame, active video games, older or elder people. Different RCTs, systematic reviews and other literature reviews are searched which mainly showed exergames effect on balance, fall, postural control, cognitive function, vestibular function in older population. Major Findings: From different therapies exergaming is giving equally effective results in improving balance, postural control, fear of fall, cognitive function, vestibular function and social wellbeing. More studies showed need for investigating more precise intervention and its long term effect. Conclusion: Exergames can be used as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy as a new more acceptable tool even in older people. There is still need to develop more accurate exergames which fits to older aged people of different culture.

Non-linear didactic technology-based intervention to enhance basic motor competencies with MOBAK-5: a pilot study in primary school

Introduction: Technologies in physical education, as Exergames (EXGs) or Active Videogames (AVGs), represent a useful tool to increase levels of physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior, but their effectiveness on motor competence development is still unclear. The aim of the study is to gain new knowledge about the development of motor competences, assessed under two different experimental conditions: (a) technology-based intervention protocol without teacher mediation, and (b) technology-based intervention with teacher mediation, based on the variation of teaching styles in a non-linear didactic approach. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 120 primary school children, ranged from 10 to 11 years, divided in Normal weight (Nw) and Overweight-Obese (Ow-Ob), according to BMI, and assigned to Experimental Group (EG) and Control Group (CG). EG followed a non-linear didactic approach, based on the use of different teaching styles, proposing different variants of motor tasks, and soliciting various learning methods, while in CG teachers explained and demonstrated only one variant of the proposed task, with children practicing and performing sequentially what was proposed. Motor competencies development was assessed with MOBAK-5, pre- and after one week at the end of intervention. Results: Evidenced positive effects on both Nw and Ow-Ob groups in EG, and on total sample, improving scores in all MOBAK subtest and total motor qualifications, while less positive effects can be observed in Control group for Normal-weight sample. Discussion: The integration of technology into physical education lessons, combined with non-linear didactics approaches represents an innovative and effective way to develop motor competencies in primary school. However, further studies are needed to confirm the results of this study.

The Compare the effect of action video games and fundamental sports games on the Enjoyment of physical activity in Fourth grade elementary students

The Compare the effect of action video games and fundamental sports games on the Enjoyment of physical activity in Fourth grade elementary students

Get Fit with Ring-Fit Adventure™: Physiological Outcomes of a Novel Active Video Game Intervention among Women

Get Fit with Ring-Fit Adventure™: Physiological Outcomes of a Novel Active Video Game Intervention among Women

Get Fit with Ring Fit Adventure: How does a Novel Active Video Game compare to a Traditional Exercise Protocol?

Get Fit with Ring Fit Adventure: How does a Novel Active Video Game compare to a Traditional Exercise Protocol?

Ring-Fit Adventure™: Psychological and Qualitative Outcomes of a Novel Active Video Game Intervention

Ring-Fit Adventure™: Psychological and Qualitative Outcomes of a Novel Active Video Game Intervention

Связь использования цифровых устройств, качества сна, физической активности и пищевого поведения у дошкольников

The article presents a review of 60 works researches carried out within the period from 2007 to 2021. The purpose of the review was to summarize current research on the relationship between the use of digital devices and the quality of sleep, physical activity and eating behavior in preschoolers. These aspects of development were chosen in connection with their proven influence on the cognitive and socio-emotional development of preschoolers. The analysis of studies has shown that screen time is associated with the risk of overweight and obesity in preschoolers. Also, the review has shown that long screen time and digital devices presence in bedroom negatively affect sleep duration and sleep quality. Additionally, excessive screen media use in preschoolers is associated with poor motor skills and physical activity. But on the opposite side there are special active videogames, apps and exergames which can promote physical activity and eating behavior. An analysis of the studies led to the conclusion about the important role of executive functions that mediate the relationship between screen time and the amount of sleep, physical activity and eating behavior. This review allows to articulate the recommendations for further investigations in this direction according to analyzed researches limitations. The review also confirms the importance of recommendations for parents on the safe use of digital devices by preschoolers.

The Effects of Exergames on the Attitudes of Secondary School Female Students towards Physical Education

Growing studies show that exergames (EG) which can combine physical activity (PA) and games is an effective educational tool in physical education (PE). The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of dance-based EG on the attitude of 8th grade female students towards PE.The research group consists of 15 female students who are educated in the 8th grade of secondary education in the public school of Bursa province. Participants performed dance-based EG for 80 minutes (3 sets of 20 minutes sessions, 10 minutes rest between sessions), 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Music and dance content were changed after each 20-minute game. Participants answered the Physical Education and Sports Attitude Scale (PESAS) before the first exergame session and at the end of 8 weeks.Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were used to determine whether the variables are normally distributed. Mann-Whitney U test was used for pairwise comparisons, Kruskal-Wallis Analysis of Variance was used for multiple comparisons. The relationships between the variables were examined with the Spearman-correlation coefficient.A statistically significant difference was found between the participants’ PESAS pre-test and post-test scores (p = 0.001). Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that dance-based EG is useful for developing positive attitudes towards PE among female students.

Effects of active video games on physical function in independent community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To analyse the effects of active video games on physical function in independent community-dwelling older adults. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The CINAHL, LILACS, Medline, Proquest and Scopus databases were consulted, with no restriction by year of publication. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software. The analysis included 22 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1208 participants (all ≥55years old). In our meta-analyses, the effects produced by playing the active video games (mean differences) were statistically significant for the variables Gait speed and Timed up-and-go. The differences between the control and experimental groups were not significant in the following tests: 6-minute walk, 30-second chair stand, balance (measured with the Berg Balance Scale), cadence, grip strength, knee extension strength, 8-Foot Up-and-Go or velocity. Physical exercise from participation in active video games has beneficial effects on two clinical parameters (Gait speed and Timed up-and-go) in independent community-dwelling older adults. However, the effects on other parameters do not differ from those obtained with conventional exercise training. Therefore, the clinical significance of these benefits is limited. Older adults usually perform little physical activity. In consequence, researchers have increasingly considered alternatives to traditional forms of exercise. One such is that provided by active video games, which can be a source of stimulation, encouraging adherence and motivation in exercise programmes. Our review shows that active video games can improve gait speed and mobility, but in other respects obtain no differences from conventional exercises. Further tailored randomized clinical trials should be undertaken with diverse populations of older adults to evaluate different physical function variables to determine the most appropriate training approach and its optimal design and duration.

Possibilities of rehabilitation treatment of children with lymphoblastic leukemia (literary review)

According to nowaday protocols of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, the percentage of recovering patients has increased significantly. This determines the necessity for comlex long-term rehabilitation, as chemotherapeutic drugs are highly toxic and contribute to the development of comorbid diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous and musculosceletal systems. The purpose of the study was to review and analyze data from foreign and domestic literature concerning possibilities for rehabilitative treatment of children with ALL and to reveal informative methods assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Important elements of rehabilitation goals and assessment of its the effectiveness are the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health of Children and Adolescents, and the Quality of Childrens’ Life. Rehabilitation begins at the hospital and includes psychological support for the child with the involvement of psychotherapists and family, as well as the performance of certain physical exercises lasting for 15-30 minutes, which are selected individually, taking into account the functional capabilities and motivation of the child. After the acute period, physical activity is carried out in accordance with an individual plan, which takes into account the peculiarities of the disease and includes active video games, cycling and other activities. Rehabilitation treatment on the basis of sanatorium-resort institutions with the participation of a multidisciplinary team is actual. Such treatment, in addition to physical exercises, includes the use of natural and preformed physical factors in order to influence the manifestations of comorbid pathology, and also contributes to an increase of the social activity and independence of the child. However, the number of such studies is limited, which determines the necessity to develop clear practical recommendations regarding methods of exposure, their duration and intensity.

Physical activity program using active video games with sedentary adolescents

Objective: the aim of our study was to assess the effect of a physical activity that uses active video games in body composition, physical fitness, cardiovascular and biochemical parameters with sedentary adolescents. Methods: a non-controlled clinical trial design with a convenience sample of adolescents, separately, from ages ten to 17, of both genders. The intervention protocol consisted of physical activity with active video games (AVG), lasting two months, in 24 sessions, evolving into three levels (basic, intermediate and advanced) according to the maximum heart rate of the individuals. The adolescents’ body composition, physical fitness, cardiovascular and biochemical parameters were assessed. Data analysis was performed with a 95% confidence interval. Results: among the 14 adolescents that completed the physical training, we observed a improvement of muscle resistance (Δ= 8.26; p= 0.02) and decrease in post-exercise heart rate and systolic blood pressure (p&lt; 0.01). However, were found a non-significant decrease in body fat percentage (Δ= -3.83; p= 0.24) and strength (Δ= 4.26; p= 0.57). A high level of satisfaction with the proposed activity was identified. Conclusion: a physical activity program based on AVG can reduce cardiovascular risk factors and improve muscle resistance in sedentary adolescents.

Making the Best Out of IT: Design and Development of Exergames for Older Adults With Mild Neurocognitive Disorder - A Methodological Paper.

Background: Utilizing information technology (IT) systems, for example in form of computerized cognitive screening or exergame-based (also called active videogames) training, has gained growing interest for supporting healthy aging and to detect, prevent and treat neurocognitive disorders (NCD). To ameliorate the effectiveness of exergaming, the neurobiological mechanisms as well as the most effective components for exergame-based training remain to be established. At the same time, it is important to account for the end-users’ capabilities, preferences, and therapeutic needs during the design and development process to foster the usability and acceptance of the resulting program in clinical practice. This will positively influence adherence to the resulting exergame-based training program, which, in turn, favors more distinct training-related neurobiological effects.Objectives and Methods: This methodological paper describes the design and development process of novel exergame-based training concepts guided by a recently proposed methodological framework: The ‘Multidisciplinary Iterative Design of Exergames (MIDE): A Framework for Supporting the Design, Development, and Evaluation of Exergames for Health’ (Li et al., 2020).Case Study: A step-by-step application of the MIDE-framework as a specific guidance in an ongoing project aiming to design, develop, and evaluate an exergame-based training concept with the aim to halt and/or reduce cognitive decline and improve quality of life in older adults with mild neurocognitive disorder (mNCD) is illustrated.Discussion and Conclusion: The development of novel exergame-based training concepts is greatly facilitated when it is based on a theoretical framework (e.g., the MIDE-framework). Applying this framework resulted in a structured, iterative, and evidence-based approach that led to the identification of multiple key requirements for the exergame design as well as the training components that otherwise may have been overlooked or neglected. This is expected to foster the usability and acceptance of the resulting exergame intervention in “real life” settings. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to implement a theoretical framework (e.g., the MIDE-framework) for future research projects in line with well-known checklists to improve completeness of reporting and replicability when serious games for motor-cognitive rehabilitation purposes are to be developed.

Influence of visual background complexity and task difficulty on action video game players’ performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of visual background complexity and task difficulty on players’ performance in a typical video game task, as a function of their expertise. Challenge in a video game is usually defined by the difficulty level of the main task. The use of low-level visual features of game interfaces to modulate the challenge has only been evaluated by a few studies. Two experiments were designed in which action video game players (AVGPs) and non-players of action video games (NVGPs) were engaged in a target-shooting task. The difficulty level of task as well as the complexity of visual background were manipulated. The enhanced attentional abilities of AVGPs allowed them to perform the task better than NVGPs. Both task difficulty and background complexity impaired task performance. However, this impairment was not modulated by player expertise. Recommendations are proposed to game designers to design the challenge around the low-level visual features of game interfaces.

Active Video Game Program for People with Type 2 Diabetes- a Pilot Study

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an active video game (AVG) program in physiological parameters, fitness levels, motivation to physical activity, and quality of life on people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Eight T2D patients participated in the 8-week AVG program using Xbox Kinect and/or Nintendo Wii. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored during exercise. Physiological and fitness assessment included hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), HR, blood pressure (BP), body mass index, body composition, aerobic and muscular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility. Psychological outcome measures included the Physical Activity Measure-Revised (MPAM-R), Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF. Participants demonstrated a moderate level of exercise intensity during AVG based on average HR and RPE. HbA1c, BP, and lower extremity muscle strength were improved, but were not statistically significant. The changes on psychological assessment were not significant. However, most participants demonstrated positive behavior and attitudes toward health and physical activity at one-month follow-up. This pilot study demonstrated that the AVG program might be an effective and alternative way of exercise for people with T2D. A future RCT is warranted to determine the physical and psychological effects of AVG on T2D population.

Comparative Effect of Core Stabilization Exercise and Active Video Gaming on Dynamic Balance in Elderly Female People: a SingleBlind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective: The elderly have a decrease in muscle power and cognitive functions, leading to a higher risk of falling. The core stabilization exercise is a standard exercise for the elderly, but is considered as non-interesting and has no immediate feedback. On the other hand, active video gaming is new technology, more interesting and provides immediate feedback. Thus, the objective was to compare the effectiveness of core stabilization exercise (CSE) and active video gaming (AVG) on dynamic balance, core and lower limb muscle strength and reaction time in elderly people.Material and Methods: This study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial design; conducted from January to April, 2019. The participants were 34, healthy, elderly patients; who were randomly assigned to either the CSE group (n=17) or AVG group (n=17). All participants received a training program consisting of 60 minutes, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. The CSE group received a core stabilization exercise program, while the AVG group received video gaming with balance control on a moveable platform (Sensamove® , the Netherlands). The participants were assessed for dynamic balance, core and lower limb muscle strength, and reaction time at pre-, two, forth, and sixth week. Results: The AVG group showed superior and significant difference to the CSE group in dynamic balance after forth (p-value=0.004; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.94 to -0.11) and sixth week (p-value=0.001; 95% CI, -1.22 to -0.25) of training, and reaction time after forth (p-value=0.028; 95% CI, -37.89 to –0.24) and sixth week of training (p-value= 0.026; 95% CI, -72.08 to -10.13). However, within group comparison, after sixth weeks of training, the CSE group had significantly increased in core (p-value=0.020; 95% CI, 1.01 to 21.55) and lower limb muscle strength (p-value=0.008; 95% CI, -2.68 to -0.39). In addition, the AVG group had significantly increased in dynamic balance (p-value=0.001; 95% CI, -2.18 to -0.66), lower limb muscle strength (p-value=0.001; 95% CI, -2.38 to -0.66), and reaction time (p-value= 0.007; 95% CI, -120.99 to -22.64).Conclusion: Active video gaming showed better effectiveness than the core stabilization exercise in both dynamic balance and reaction time. Between before and after six weeks of training, the core stabilization exercise increased in core and lower limb muscle strength. In addition, active video gaming increased in dynamic balance, lower limb muscle strength and reaction time. So, active video gaming can be added in generic rehabilitation for improvement of muscle strength, reaction time and balance.

The effect of computer mouse mass on target acquisition performance among action video gamers

Advances in human performance have shifted research attention from individuals towards understanding the effects that equipment can have on their performance. In esports, the effect of gaming peripherals on performance has only recently been explored. In this study, we investigated the effect of computer mouse mass on gaming skill. 72 video game players performed a target acquisition task, a pertinent composite skill in first-person shooter (FPS) video games, while using computer mice that varied only by their mass (50g, 60g, 90g & 100g). Results showed that participants were 4% faster and 9% more accurate with 50g, 60g, and 90g mice compared to the 100g mouse. They were also 34% more accurate and 14% more precise when using lower control-display gain and preferred lighter mice (50g and 60g) when performing the skill at a lower control-display gain. Taken together, using a lighter mouse at lower sensitivity may augment target acquisition performance among video gamers.