Home-Based Exergaming among Children with Overweight and Obesity : A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background

Given children’s low levels of physical activity and high prevalence of obesity, there is an urgent need to identify innovative physical activity options.

Objective

To test the effectiveness of exergaming (video gaming that involves physical activity) to reduce children’s adiposity and improve cardiometabolic health.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial assigned 46 children with overweight/obesity to a 24-week exergaming or control condition. Intervention participants were provided a gaming console with exergames, a gameplay curriculum (1 hr/session, 3 times/week), and videochat sessions with a fitness coach (telehealth coaching). Control participants were provided the exergames following final clinic visit. The primary outcome was body mass index (BMI) z-score. Secondary outcomes were fat mass by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and cardiometabolic health metrics.

Results

Half of the participants were girls, and 57% were African American. Intervention adherence was 94.4%, and children’s ratings of acceptability and enjoyment were high. The intervention group significantly reduced BMI z-score excluding one control outlier (intervention [standard error] vs. control [SE]: −0.06 [0.03] vs. 0.03 [0.03], p=0.016) with a marginal difference in intent-to-treat analysis (−0.06 [0.03] vs. 0.02 [0.03], p=0.065). Compared to control, the intervention group improved systolic BP, diastolic BP, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and MVPA (all p-values < 0.05).

Conclusions

Exergaming at home elicited high adherence and improved children’s BMI z-score, cardiometabolic health, and physical activity levels. Exergaming with social support may be promoted as an exercise option for children.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02560493