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

• 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
• ISSN: 1467-7881; 1467-789X
• DOI: 10.1111/obr.12287

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.