meta‐analysis of active video games on health outcomes among children and adolescents

This meta‐analysis synthesizes current literature concerning the effects of active video games (AVGs) on children/adolescents’ health‐related outcomes. A total of 512 published studies on AVGs were located, and 35 articles were included based on the following criteria: (i) data‐based research articl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Obesity reviews 2015-09, Vol.16 (9), p.783-794
Main Authors: Gao, Z, Chen, S, Pasco, D, Pope, Z
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
adolescents
Body Composition
cardiovascular fitness
Child
children
computer software
energy expenditure
Energy Metabolism
exercise
games
Humans
meta-analysis
moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
Motor Activity
Pediatric Obesity - etiology
Pediatric Obesity - prevention & control
Physical Fitness
Sedentary Lifestyle
sports
Video Games
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Summary:This meta‐analysis synthesizes current literature concerning the effects of active video games (AVGs) on children/adolescents’ health‐related outcomes. A total of 512 published studies on AVGs were located, and 35 articles were included based on the following criteria: (i) data‐based research articles published in English between 1985 and 2015; (ii) studied some types of AVGs and related outcomes among children/adolescents and (iii) had at least one comparison within each study. Data were extracted to conduct comparisons for outcome measures in three separate categories: AVGs and sedentary behaviours, AVGs and laboratory‐based exercise, and AVGs and field‐based physical activity. Effect size for each entry was calculated with the Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis software in 2015. Mean effect size (Hedge's g) and standard deviation were calculated for each comparison. Compared with sedentary behaviours, AVGs had a large effect on health outcomes. The effect sizes for physiological outcomes were marginal when comparing AVGs with laboratory‐based exercises. The comparison between AVGs and field‐based physical activity had null to moderate effect sizes. AVGs could yield equivalent health benefits to children/adolescents as laboratory‐based exercise or field‐based physical activity. Therefore, AVGs can be a good alternative for sedentary behaviour and addition to traditional physical activity and sports in children/adolescents.
ISSN:1467-7881
1467-789X
DOI:10.1111/obr.12287