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The effects of interactive video games on the heart rate of older adults
Author(s) -
Hanel Diane,
Bai Yeon
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.766.1
Daily moderate intensity activities can have long term health benefits in older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of playing interactive video games on the heart rate of older adults in comparison to the heart rate after traditional, indoor recreational activity. An experimental study was conducted using 40 participants, ages 55 and over, recruited from New Jersey. Two groups were created: a control group (n=20) who participated in either traditional or Pokeno® card games and an experimental group (n=20) who played Wii bowling. The participants' heart rates were taken pre‐ and post‐activity. The post‐activity heart rates signified an 11.9% increase in those who engaged in interactive video games (p<0.001), which was 10 percentage points greater than those involved in recreational activity. Additionally, the heart rates of older adults who played Wii bowling reached the recommended target level of 69% for moderate intensity physical activity. Therefore, inclusion of interactive video games to older adults' recreational activities can increase their physical activity level to bring long term health benefits.