Active Video Games

Concerns over rising obesity rates and increased sedentary lifestyles are fueling interest in ways to increase physical activity, including video games. Videogames that encourage physical activity, called active video games or exergames, have the potential to increase daily physical activity and provide recommended vigorous activity. As a result, they may play an important role in the home, schools, after-school and community programs for contributing to weight loss, social interaction, family goal setting, and academic achievement. Here, the authors review the current state of research on exergames, make recommendations on best uses for implementing them in a variety of settings, and provide examples of how exergames have been used in a variety of settings.