Can a Video Game Make Your Kids More Fit? |
Exclusive American Council on Exercise (ACE) Research Proves Dance Dance
Revolution (DDR) Can Be a Tremendous Workout
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on the growing popularity of
video games that eliminate conventional hand controllers in favor of more
full-body interaction, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) put Dance
Dance Revolution (DDR) to the test.
The ACE commissioned research out of the University of Wisconsin, La
Crosse, focused on quantifying DDR's potential physical benefits. Looking
at the caloric expenditure data of 24 volunteers, researchers determined
that it is comparable to many other aerobic activities and could result in
significant weight loss if used regularly.
Led by John Porcari, Ph.D., FACSM and Anna Norlin, M.S., male and
female subjects, ages 12 - 25 years old were recruited for the study. Half
the volunteers were under the age of 18 and enlisted from the local La
Crosse Boys & Girls Club.
Based on the physiological responses to three levels of DDR, all
subjects showed a marked increase in exercise intensity as they
participated. Adult participants burned more calories, which can be
attributed to differences in body weight since the adults averaged about 25
pounds heavier than teenage subjects. On average, teens burned 5.9 kcal/min
on light mode, 6.7 kcal/min on standard mode and 8.1 kcal/min of difficult
mode.
All study participants, regardless of their experience with DDR, were
required to practice a pre-determined four song dance sequence for up to
six hour-long practice sessions or until they could demonstrate
proficiency. Testing included continuously monitoring all participants of
their oxygen uptake, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion.
Researchers used a home-based version of the game called DDR Extreme 2
($35; musicineverydirection.com) for Sony PlayStation 2 ($150;
playstions.com) with a $40 dance pad.
For a detailed summary of the study as seen in the Sept. /Oct. 2007 ACE
Fitness Matters visit
http://www.acefitness.org/cp/pdfs/FitnessMatters/Sept07.pdf.
About ACE
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), your premier certification,
education and training organization, is a nonprofit organization dedicated
to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers
against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. ACE
sponsors university-based exercise science research and is one of the
world's largest nonprofit fitness certifying organizations. For more
information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the
ACE Web site at http://www.acefitness.org
SOURCE The American Council on Exercise
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CONTACT:
Kristie Spalding, APR of American Council on
Exercise, 1-800-546-7470, kristie.spalding@acefitness.org
