However , effects of exergaming in terms of changes in these intensity parameters varied significantly between game modes and consoles as well as because of the vastly differing duration s of exergame activity between studies .
Conclusion This review suggests that exergames are able to increase PA among overweight individuals .
However , the inconsistent results and the overall poor or moderate method ological quality do not permit judgment on whether exergames are suitable to meet PA guidelines in this target group .
Background The majority of patients with overweight and type 2 diabetes show insufficient levels of daily physical activity ( PA ) and usually are among the least likely to engage in or adhere to any form of generic PA .
Active video games ( exergames ) may be a solution to motivate these individuals to overcome their sedentary lifestyle .
Objectives This systematic review was conducted to review the current evidence for the effectiveness of exergaming in overweight and type 2 diabetes mellitus and thus to evaluate the suitability of these games to be used as tools for exercise promotion that meet current PA guidelines .
Heart Rate and Perceived Exertion During Self-Selected Intensities for Exergaming Compared to Traditional Exercise in College-Age Participants
Kraft , JA , Russell , WD , Bowman , TA , Selsor III , CW , and Foster , GD . Heart rate and perceived exertion during self-selected intensities for exergaming compared to traditional exercise in college-age participants . J Strength Cond Res 25(6 ) : 1736 - 1742 , 2011—Exergames may be useful for promoting physical activity in younger population s.  Heart rate ( HRs ) responses and rating of perceived exertion ( RPE ) at self-selected intensities were compared in college-age participants during 2 modes of exergame activity vs. traditional exercise .  Thirty-seven participants ( men : 20 , women : 17 ) completed 3 30-minute self-selected intensity trials : ( a ) video game interactive bicycle ergometer ( GB ) ( CatEye GB300 ) , ( b ) interactive video dance game ( Dance Dance Revolution [ DDR ] ) , and ( c ) traditional cycle ergometer ( CE ) while watching television . Mean HR , peak HR ( PkHR ) , and minutes above target HR ( THR ) were significantly higher for GB ( 144 ± 22 b·min−1 [ 57 % HR reserve ( HRR ) ] , 161 ± 23 b·min−1 , and 22.5 ± 11.1 minutes ) than for DDR ( 119 ± 16 b·min−1 [ 37 % HRR ] , 138 ± 20 b·min−1 , and 11.2 ± 11.9 minutes ) or for CE ( 126 ± 20 b·min−1 [ 42 % HRR ] , 144 ± 24 b·min−1 , and 14.2 ± 12.6 minutes ) . The RPE was significantly higher for GB ( 4.2 ± 1.5 ) and CE ( 3.8 ± 1.2 ) than for DDR ( 2.7 ± 1.3 ) . Recovery HR ( RecHR ) ( 15 minutes postexercise ) was significantly higher for GB ( 91 ± 14 b·min−1 ) than for DDR ( 80 ± 11 b·min−1 ) and neared significance vs. CE ( 84 ± 14 b·min−1 , p = 0.059 ) . No difference in PkHR , RecHR , or minutes above THR was observed between DDR and CE . Session RPE was significantly higher for GB ( 4.6 ± 1.7 ) and CE ( 4.1 ± 1.6 ) than for DDR ( 2.8 ± 1.5 ) . All modes elicited extended proportions of time above THR ; GB : 75 % , DDR : 37 % , and CE : 47 % . Results support that exergames are capable of eliciting physiological responses necessary for fitness improvements . Practitioners might consider exergames as periodic activity options for clients needing motivation to be regularly active
However , effects of exergaming in terms of changes in these intensity parameters varied significantly between game modes and consoles as well as because of the vastly differing duration s of exergame activity between studies .
Conclusion This review suggests that exergames are able to increase PA among overweight individuals .
However , the inconsistent results and the overall poor or moderate method ological quality do not permit judgment on whether exergames are suitable to meet PA guidelines in this target group .
Background The majority of patients with overweight and type 2 diabetes show insufficient levels of daily physical activity ( PA ) and usually are among the least likely to engage in or adhere to any form of generic PA .
Active video games ( exergames ) may be a solution to motivate these individuals to overcome their sedentary lifestyle .
Objectives This systematic review was conducted to review the current evidence for the effectiveness of exergaming in overweight and type 2 diabetes mellitus and thus to evaluate the suitability of these games to be used as tools for exercise promotion that meet current PA guidelines .