Video Games CAN be good for you
- February 01, 2007 17:10 PM PST
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A scientific study mixed with DDR means that everything that your mother has ever told you is WRONG.
A press release posted by Konami Digital Entertainment and the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) has announced the results of a scientific study conducted by West Virgina University. This study, also supported by Konami, claims that consistent usage of the game Dance Dance Revolution "improved the health, attitudes, and behaviors of participating children."
The PEIA sponsored research was conceived to address the growing epidemic of childhood obesity, and was headed by Dr. Linda Carson, WVU's Ware Distinguished Professor of the School of Physical Education and Emily Murphy, pediatric exercise physiologist with WVU School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. The 24-week clinical study asked for participants to play DDR five days a week, for at least 30 minutes per session. Each session was supervised by WVU to monitor several health indicators, such as weight, blood pressure, body mass index, arterial function, fitness levels, and attitudes towards exercise.
The result? The study found that the subjects, who were all originally located above the 85th percentile for body mass index (in accordance to gender and age) "improved their general health and reduced their risks for lifestyle related diseases."
"This Institutional Review Board approved study has now provided evidence that consistent playing of DDR improves arterial function in overweight children", stated Murphy.
Dr. Carson added, "The answer is clearly more exercise, but the challenge is finding something that appeals to this generation of technologically sophisticated children. DDR combines the appeal of 'screen time' within a physical activity format. We are excited that we can now demonstrate that it is a valuable health tool and something kids enjoy."
The study found that not every participant lost weight during the study, but "the majority did not gain weight while experiencing improvements in their aerobic capacity, blood vessel function and overall fitness level." Perhaps more importantly, the children's attitudes towards exercise improved, as well as their self esteem.
"Most of our subjects had historically felt awkward about participating in gym and physical activity at school," Murphy concluded. "After the program, they demonstrated a new sense of confidence and desired to maintain their new found skills."
