Dance Revolution Research Articles

DNA Dance Revolution

Abstract This paper proposes to teach students biology through dance. Knowledge of nucleotides, amino acids, and structures of DNA and protein is used to create dance music and choreography. The three nucleotides (A, T, G, or C) making up the amino acids of selected proteins are converted into a musical note. In accordance with DNA’s double helix structure and base-pairing, the authors designed a low-cost, in-house Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) machine to allow for a dual player dance mode that requires students to synchronize their choreography during gameplay.

Investigating the Impact of Control Modes to Competency and Engagement in Serious Game Play for Children with ADHD.

Serious games are designed to reduce symptoms of attention deficit among children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These games predominantly use touchscreen interfaces that children with ADHD play in a sitting position, which contributes to already-problematic sedentary behaviors. In an effort to mitigate negative impacts of sedentary behavior, we set out to investigate the use of Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) mats with serious games to induce gross movements. To that end, we designed and implemented Breathtaking Glass Bridge to investigate the impact of interface (DDR vs. touchscreen) on competency and engagement in children with ADHD. Our investigation with 30 children with ADHD reveal that the DDR mat was as engaging as the conventional touchscreen interface despite relatively lower competence shown by our participants. Our study opens new research opportunities for developing and strategically using movement-based control interfaces to encourage gross movements while reducing attention deficit symptoms among children with ADHD.

“DANCE DANCE” EDUCACIÓN. ¿UNA VERDADERA “REVOLUCIÓN” PARA EL AULA?

Introduction: The current society is in constant evolution in search of new educational methodologies that allow a better integral formation of the students. These should be attractive and motivational while allowing the improvement of the cognitive variables of the students. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to analyze the effect of Active Video Games or Exergame (EX) Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) on cognitive and academic performance in children and adolescents. Method: A literature research was conducted in four databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest, n = 265). The search was carried out in the last ten years (January 2007 / September 2017). Results: A total of 3 intervention studies were included in the review with a participation of 273 children and adolescents. The results show that after the practice of the DDR Exergame, the students improved their cognitive activity. They also obtained other physiological benefits derived from their practice. Discussion: These results reflect that the promotion of programs through EX could have great potential for cognitive and academic development at this stage of education. In addition, they would allow the development of healthy habits of physical activity, the increase of student motivation and a better socialization.

FMRI Validation of fNIRS Measurements During a Naturalistic Task

We present a method to compare brain activity recorded with near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in a dance video game task to that recorded in a reduced version of the task using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging). Recently, it has been shown that fNIRS can accurately record functional brain activities equivalent to those concurrently recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging for classic psychophysical tasks and simple finger tapping paradigms. However, an often quoted benefit of fNIRS is that the technique allows for studying neural mechanisms of complex, naturalistic behaviors that are not possible using the constrained environment of fMRI. Our goal was to extend the findings of previous studies that have shown high correlation between concurrently recorded fNIRS and fMRI signals to compare neural recordings obtained in fMRI procedures to those separately obtained in naturalistic fNIRS experiments. Specifically, we developed a modified version of the dance video game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) to be compatible with both fMRI and fNIRS imaging procedures. In this methodology we explain the modifications to the software and hardware for compatibility with each technique as well as the scanning and calibration procedures used to obtain representative results. The results of the study show a task-related increase in oxyhemoglobin in both modalities and demonstrate that it is possible to replicate the findings of fMRI using fNIRS in a naturalistic task. This technique represents a methodology to compare fMRI imaging paradigms which utilize a reduced-world environment to fNIRS in closer approximation to naturalistic, full-body activities and behaviors. Further development of this technique may apply to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, late states of dementia, or those with magnetic susceptibility which are contraindicated for fMRI scanning.

FMRI Validation of fNIRS Measurements During a Naturalistic Task

We present a method to compare brain activity recorded with near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in a dance video game task to that recorded in a reduced version of the task using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging). Recently, it has been shown that fNIRS can accurately record functional brain activities equivalent to those concurrently recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging for classic psychophysical tasks and simple finger tapping paradigms. However, an often quoted benefit of fNIRS is that the technique allows for studying neural mechanisms of complex, naturalistic behaviors that are not possible using the constrained environment of fMRI. Our goal was to extend the findings of previous studies that have shown high correlation between concurrently recorded fNIRS and fMRI signals to compare neural recordings obtained in fMRI procedures to those separately obtained in naturalistic fNIRS experiments. Specifically, we developed a modified version of the dance video game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) to be compatible with both fMRI and fNIRS imaging procedures. In this methodology we explain the modifications to the software and hardware for compatibility with each technique as well as the scanning and calibration procedures used to obtain representative results. The results of the study show a task-related increase in oxyhemoglobin in both modalities and demonstrate that it is possible to replicate the findings of fMRI using fNIRS in a naturalistic task. This technique represents a methodology to compare fMRI imaging paradigms which utilize a reduced-world environment to fNIRS in closer approximation to naturalistic, full-body activities and behaviors. Further development of this technique may apply to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, late states of dementia, or those with magnetic susceptibility which are contraindicated for fMRI scanning.

Balance, Attention and Concentration Improvements Following an Exergame Training Program in the Elderly

In Costa Rica, the elderly population has increased dramatically over the last decade. Little is known about the acute effects and chronic adaptations to video game (i.e., Exergames) training in this population. PURPOSE: To examine the acute effects and chronic adaptations to an exergame training program on attention, concentration, static and dynamic balance in older adults. METHODS: Twenty-seven healthy older adults (Mean age = 63.15 ± 5.79 yr.), were randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. The experimental group played the Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) video game. A battery of physical and cognitive tests was applied before and after 15 sessions (3 sessions/week, 5 weeks) to measure attention, concentration, static and dynamic balance. RESULTS: Compared to controls, significant mean differences were found in the acute effect on dynamic balance (Pre = 5.19 ± 0.29 vs. Post= 4.78 ± 0.15 s, p = 0.0001), concentration (Pre = 740.71 ± 20.43 vs. Post = 766.14 ± 8.52 pts., p = 0.015), and attention (Pre = 54.93 ± 6.92 vs. Post = 69.14 ± 3.48 pts., p = 0.0001). Significant chronic effects were also found on concentration (Pre = 740.71 ± 20.43 vs. Post = 770.5 ± 7.22 pts., p = 0.002), attention (Pre = 54.93 ± 6.92 vs. Post = 72.86 ± 1.66 pts., p = 0.0001), and static (Pre = 0.0154 ± 0.0015 vs. Post = 0.0124 ± 0.0020 m/s, p = 0.006) and dynamic balance (Pre = 5.19 ± 0.29 vs. Post = 3.93 ± 0.27 s, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Acute and chronic improvements were observed in attention, concentration, dynamic balance and static balance in healthy older adults playing the DDR exergame.

Learning curve and motor retention of a video game in young and older adults (Curva de aprendizaje y retención motriz de un juego de video en adultos jóvenes y adultos mayores)

The purpose of the study was to compare the learning curve and motor retention of the Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) video game in healthy adults. Twenty young (M= 23.9 ± 2.8 yr.) and 18 older adults (M= 60.7 ± 5.9 yr.), were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions: a) DDR 7 trials and b) DDR 14 trials. Participants danced the same song six sessions, followed by a detraining period of eight days. Then participants returned to the laboratory and danced again in order to detect a motor retention effect. A three-way ANOVA revealed mean score interactions (sessions x groups x trials; p = 0.017). Follow-up analyses revealed differences between young and older participants in both trial sessions (p < 0.05). Compared to young adults, older adults showed a learning curve of four sessions when performing 14 trials per session. After eight days of detraining only older participants in the DDR14 condition reduced motor performance. In conclusion, older subjects can learn the DDR game after playing four sessions; however, those dancing the same song 14 times were more likely to reduce their scores after eight days of detraining. Younger participants scored high regardless of the number of trials and sessions with little variability.Key words. exergames, learning curve, elderly, motor learning, video games.Resumen. El propósito del estudio fue comparar la curva de aprendizaje y la retención motriz del juego de video «Dance Dance Revolution» (DDR) en adultos sanos. Veinte adultos jóvenes (M= 23.9 ± 2.8 años) y 18 adultos mayores (M= 60.7 ± 5.9 años), fueron asignados aleatoriamente a dos condiciones experimentales: a) bailar DDR 7 intentos, y b) bailar DDR 14 intentos. Los participantes bailaron la misma canción seis sesiones, seguidas por un periodo de desentrenamiento de ocho días. Luego los participantes regresaron al laboratorio y bailaron de nuevo para obtener el efecto de retención motriz. La prueba de ANOVA de tres vías reveló interacciones en los puntajes promedio (sesiones x grupos x intentos; p = 0.017). Los análisis de seguimiento revelaron diferencias entre los participantes jóvenes y mayores en ambas sesiones de intentos (p < 0.05). En comparación con los adultos jóvenes, los adultos mayores mostraron una curva de aprendizaje de cuatro sesiones cuando bailaron 14 veces por sesión. Después de ocho días de desentrenamiento, solamente los adultos mayores del grupo de DDR 14 redujeron el desempeño motriz. En conclusión, los participantes mayores pueden aprender el juego DDR después de jugar cuatro sesiones; sin embargo, quien bailaron la misma canción 14 veces tuvieron más probabilidad de reducir sus puntajes después de ocho días de desentrenamiento. Los participantes más jóvenes obtuvieron puntajes mayores independientemente del número de intentos y sesiones con poca variabilidad.Palabras claves. «exergames», curva de aprendizaje, adulto mayor, aprendizaje motor, juegos de video

A 3-month intervention of Dance Dance Revolution improves interference control in elderly females: a preliminary investigation.

Exercise regimens suitable to the elderly remain under investigated; therefore, this study examined the effects of Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) on cognitive control in elderly females. Twenty-six healthy elderly females leading a sedentary lifestyle were assigned to a DDR, brisk walking, or control group. Participants in the DDR and brisk walking groups engaged in moderate physical exercise three times per week for 3 months, whereas the control group maintained a sedentary lifestyle. Each participant performed a flanker task before and after the intervention. The results revealed that both DDR and brisk walking shortened reaction time, N2 latency, and P3 latency relative to those of the control group. These findings suggest that DDR intervention is as effective as that of brisk walking in improving inhibitory control for elderly people. Therefore, DDR can be used as a viable alternative exercise to enhance cognitive function for the elderly and motivate individuals who are less willing to be active.

Using the Transtheoretical Model to Examine the Effects of Exergaming on Physical Activity Among Children.

The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) has been widely used to understand individuals' physical activity (PA) correlates and behavior. However, the theory's application among children in exergaming remains unknown. Investigate the effects of an exergaming program on children's TTM-based PA correlates and PA levels. At pretest and posttest, 212 upper elementary children (mean age = 11.17 years) from the greater Mountain West Region were administered measures regarding stages of change (SOC) for PA behavior, decisional balance for PA behaviors, PA self-efficacy, and self-reported PA levels. Following the pretest, a weekly 30-minute, 18-week Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) program was implemented. Children were classified into 3 SOC groups: progressive children (ie, progressed to a higher SOC stage); stable children (ie, remained at the same SOC stage); and regressive children (ie, regressed to a lower SOC stage). Progressive children had greater increased PA levels than regressive children (P < .01) from pretest to posttest. Similarly, progressive children had greater increased self-efficacy (P < .05) and decision balance (P < .05) than regressive children. The findings indicate that progressive children had more improvements on self-efficacy, decisional balance, and PA levels than regressive children over time. Implications of findings are discussed.

The potential of video games as a pedagogical tool.

The potential of video games as a pedagogical tool.

Effects of Technology on Physical Education Classroom

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese.&#x0D; The obesity pandemic is sweeping the world at an alarming rate. Poor food choices and lack of activity in children are helping providing the building blocks for this issue. With the increase of video games and computers, it is important to identify ways to incorporate these into physical activity. The purpose of this study was to find out what differences and similarities exist in students’ attitudes, motivation, and heart rate levels when participating in the use of Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) versus traditional dance. Although not statistically significant, results indicated that students had a higher overall self-rated perception of enjoyment, work effort, motivation, and performance during the DDR activities than during the traditional dance. With a Physical Education focus of attaining as much physical activity by our students as possible, outside of school, it is important to identify activities they enjoy significantly.&#x0D; 學童肥胖的問題愈來愈嚴重。本研究旨在探討採用科技遊戲來提升學生的運動量，結果顯示學生對活動的興趣是重要的。

Impact of interactive dance games on urban children's physical activity correlates and behavior

The fast growth of interactive games has a great impact on school-based physical activity programs. This study was designed to examine the effects of Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) on urban children's exercise correlates (i.e., self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, social support) and physical activity participation. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of DDR on urban school children's self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, perceived social support, and daily physical activity levels. A total of 101 participants responded to questionnaires assessing their self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, social support, and 1-week physical activity levels in August 2008 (pretest). Then fourth graders were assigned to the intervention group (3 30-minute DDR sessions/week), while the fifth graders were placed in the comparison group. The outcome variables were measured again in May 2009 (posttest). The MANOVA with difference scores yielded a significant main effect for intervention. Follow-up tests indicated that the intervention children reported significantly greater increased self-efficacy (p < 0.05), social support (p < 0.05), and daily physical activity levels (p < 0.05) than the comparison children over time. The results suggested that the implementation of DDR could have a significantly positive effect on children's self-efficacy, social support, and daily physical activity levels across time. The findings of the study can facilitate health professionals' design of effective interventions to promote urban children's exercise correlates and physical activity levels.

Associations between students’ situational interest, mastery experiences, and physical activity levels in an interactive dance game

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of previous experiences on students’ situational interest and physical activity (PA) levels, as well as the relationships between situational interest and PA levels in Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). A total of 135 seventh through ninth graders participated in DDR unit for two weeks, and reported their previous DDR experiences. Students’ PA levels were measured by ActiGraph accelerometers for three classes with percentages of time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as the outcome variable. They also responded to the Situational Interest Scale (including novelty, challenge, attention demand, exploration intention, and instant enjoyment) at the end of each class. The Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) yielded a significant main effect for experience. Follow-up tests revealed that students with DDR experiences scored significantly higher than those without experiences at following dimensions: challenge; exploration intention; instant enjoyment; and attention demand. Regression analysis yielded that novelty emerged as the only significant predictor for MVPA. The findings suggested that four dimensions of situational interest differed between students with and without previous experiences. Novelty emerged as the only predictor for MVPA, suggesting that students would have higher PA when they feel the activity provides new information.

Associations among children's situational motivation, physical activity participation, and enjoyment in an active dance video game

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between children's situational motivation and physical activity (PA) levels in a Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) program, and perceived PA enjoyment. MethodsA sample of 215 elementary children participated in a weekly 30-min DDR program. Children's situational motivation toward DDR (intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, external regulation, and amotivation) was measured, followed by the measurement of their accelerometer-determined moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) in DDR. Children then reported their PA enjoyment. ResultsOnly intrinsic motivation was positively related with children's MVPA in DDR and PA enjoyment. However, other motivational beliefs were not significantly related to MVPA and PA enjoyment. Regression analyses further suggested intrinsic motivation was the significant predictor for MVPA and PA enjoyment. ConclusionChildren who experienced fun and learned new things when playing DDR reached high PA levels in DDR, as well as developed generalized feeling states of enjoyment.

Feasibility of Using Active Video Gaming as a Means for Increasing Energy Expenditure in Three Nonambulatory Young Adults With Disabilities

To examine the feasibility of adapting active video games (AVGs) for nonambulatory wheelchair users at functionally diverse levels and to examine these AVGs as a method for increasing energy expenditure (EE) for 3 young adults with severe (SEV), moderate (MOD), and no upper extremity limitation (NL). Case study. Residential special education school for youth and young adults with physical disabilities. Two young adults with spastic cerebral palsy (SEV, MOD) and one young adult with spina bifida (NL). All participants were nonambulatory wheelchair users. Each participant performed Wii bowling and tennis and an adapted upper extremity version of a Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) game pad. EE was measured through indirect calorimetry (VO(2)). Heart rate data were collected with the use of a Polar Heart Rate Monitor. SEV and MOD participants showed a higher percentage increase in EE for the Wii games (SEV, 25.6%; MOD, 30.8%) compared with DDR (SEV, 10.8%; MOD, 29.1%), whereas the participant with NL had a greater EE increase for the DDR (173.5%) compared with Wii (59.5%). AVGs showed clinically significant increases in EE for all 3 participants and can be performed by nonambulatory wheelchair users ranging from those with NL to those with SEV upper extremity limitation with the appropriate adaptations.

A dance revolution? Responding to dominant discourses in contemporary integrated dance

This research is informed by 6 months of ethnographic fieldwork and 10 semi-structured interviews with 10 members of an integrated dance company. Through the use of Foucauldian theory and discourse analysis, we found that the discourses of legitimacy circulating in and through contemporary dance have typically excluded the bodies and artistic contributions of dancers with disabilities. The participants in this research provided examples of actively resisting dominant discourses of validity and professionalism in dance and also provided alternative discourses to what is regarded as the valid dancing body and aesthetic through their creation of integrated dance works. Their desire to gain recognition and appreciation as dance professionals, however, did at times create tensions with their equally strong desire to challenge dominant discourses of what professional dance and dancers should look like. As a result, this research furthers scholarly understandings of the ways in which persons with disabilities, and more specifically dancers with disabilities, negotiate societal discourses.

Autism and exergaming: effects on repetitive behaviors and cognition

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to impairment in social skills and delay in language development, and results in repetitive behaviors and restricted interests that impede academic and social involvement. Physical exercise has been shown to decrease repetitive behaviors in autistic children and improve cognitive function across the life-span. Exergaming combines physical and mental exercise simultaneously by linking physical activity movements to video game control and may yield better compliance with exercise. In this investigation, two pilot studies explored the potential behavioral and cognitive benefits of exergaming. In Pilot I, twelve children with autism spectrum disorders completed a control task and an acute bout of Dance Dance Revolution (DDR); in Pilot II, ten additional youths completed an acute bout of cyber cycling. Repetitive behaviors and executive function were measured before and after each activity. Repetitive behaviors significantly decreased, while performance on Digits Backwards improved following the exergaming conditions compared with the control condition. Additional research is needed to replicate these findings, and to explore the application of exergaming for the management of behavioral disturbance and to increase cognitive control in children on the autism spectrum.

Motivated but Not Active: The Dilemmas of Incorporating Interactive Dance into Gym Class

Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is considered a tool to help children promote a healthy active lifestyle. Empirical studies in this field have been largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between students' mastery experiences, situational motivation, and physical activity levels in DDR. One hundred and ninety-five seventh, eighth, and ninth graders participated in a 2-week DDR unit. Students' physical activity levels and situational motivation [intrinsic motivation (IM), identified regulation (IR), external regulation, and amotivation) were measured for 3 classes. Students were motivated to play DDR, but their moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was low (ie, mean=4.95%). In addition, students with successful mastery experiences had significantly higher IM, IR, and MVPA. Although students were motivated for DDR, they were not physically active in DDR. In addition, successful mastery experience played an important role in students' motivation and physical activity levels in DDR.

J04 The effect of video game-based exercise on dynamic balance and mobility in individuals with Huntington's disease

BackgroundHuntington's disease (HD) produces balance and gait impairments that increase fall risk and decrease quality of life for affected individuals.AimsThis study examined the efficacy of an exercise program using the...

Poster 4: The Effect of Video Game-Based Exercise on Dynamic Balance and Mobility in Individuals with Huntington's Disease

Background Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease in which balance and gait impairments inevitably develop, placing individuals at high risk for injurious falls and lowering their quality of life. Methods In a study designed to examine the efficacy of an exercise program using the video game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) to improve balance and mobility in individuals with HD, participants will be 20 adults with HD who can ambulate 10 feet without assistance. A randomized, cross-over, control design is used. Subjects are alternately assigned to experimental (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The experimental group performs DDR for 45 minutes 2×/week for 6 weeks in their homes with a researcher who provides instructions. The control group performs a hand-held video game that controls for the effects of the attention and novelty of the DDR intervention. After completing the initial intervention, the control group crosses over to the DDR intervention and the experimental group performs the hand-held video game. Compliance with the control phase and fall incidence is determined via weekly phone calls. All outcome measures including the Tinetti Mobility Test (TMT), the 4-square step test, the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, forward, backward, and obstacle course spatiotemporal gait measures using the GaitRite walkway, and subjects' reported perceptions of the video games are obtained by one of the researchers, who is blinded to group assignment. Results and Discussion Preliminary data analysis of subjects who have completed the study (n = 7) shows a trend for improvements in balance measures such as the TMT and performance on an obstacle course following the DDR intervention. The majority of subjects report that the DDR game is fun, challenging, and highly motivating, whereas the hand-held games tend to be difficult and inconvenient to play. The preliminary results indicate that DDR is well tolerated, and may improve balance in this population.