Exergame Use as a Gateway to the Adoption of and Adherence to Sport‐Specific and General Physical Activity

To explore methods of promoting physical activity, research was conducted to determine whether exergame use could serve as a gateway to future physical activity and to test its efficacy as an intervention. Undergraduates (n = 103) received introductory training during weeks 0–4 through a racquetball videogame (exergame), traditional training, or no‐exposure (control group). All groups then participated in the same, traditional training for weeks 5–8. No differences existed between the exergame and traditional training groups for most outcomes. Both groups increased over time in most outcomes and showed greater skills test performance at post‐intervention assessments than the control group. However, baseline physical activity moderated these outcomes. These results provide partial support for a gateway mechanism and guidelines for future research.
Source: Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research