Exergaming for physical activity: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective

This review evaluates current literature on intensity selection, perceptual responses, activity enjoyment and adherence rates of exergaming.

Methods

The literature search identified manuscripts that investigated exercise intensity, perceptual responses, or exercise adherence of exergaming in young adults.

Results

Based on results of 29 studies, the current review suggest some exergaming activities have the potential to elicit moderate to vigorous exercise intensity and could potentially be substituted for traditional exercise. Additionally, exergame activities may aid in the start of exercise adherence by lowering the individual’s perceived exertion when playing exergames. Exergaming not only has the potential to enhance enjoyment through an exercise objective but also through the distracting nature of video games.

Conclusions

Exergaming shows potential to be substituted for traditional exercise and could offer a new, varied form of exercise for sedentary individuals. Future research should examine the influence of exergaming experience on intensity selection and adherence rates.

Keywords:

• Exercise
• exercise enjoyment
• exergaming intensity
• videogaming

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Universtiy of North Alabama.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.