Efficacy of Exercise Videogames for Physical Activity Adoption and Maintenance

To test the efficacy of a 12-week supervised, laboratory based program of an exercise videogame (EVG) program to increase time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and improve cardiovascular health and fitness indices compared to Standard and Control programs. Participants will be randomly assigned to (1) a supervised program of Exercise Videogames (EVG); (2) a supervised standard exercise program (Standard), using aerobic exercise equipment (e.g., treadmill, stationary bike); or (3) a Control condition. We will also examine the effect of home-based exercise videogames compared to a home-based standard PA program on MVPA maintenance during the 6-month follow up period. We will examine changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., estimated VO2max), blood pressure, resting heart rate, body composition and blood lipids at baseline, week 12 and at 6-months follow up. We will also examine changes in theoretically-based cognitive and affective constructs associated with physical activity including: enjoyment, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, motivation, and goal-orientation.

Inclusion criteria

• age > 18,
• In generally good health
• No medical conditions that would interfere with exercise
• Currently engaging in less than 60 minutes of physical activity per week

Exclusion criteria

• body mass index over 40
• current or planned pregnancy
• hospitalization from a physical or mental disorder in the past 6 months
• hypertension (defined as: blood pressure ≥ 140/90)
• anti-hypertensive medication
• medications that may impair physical activity tolerance (e.g., beta blockers)
• current cardiovascular disease
• current pulmonary disease
• diabetes
• thyroid disorders
• renal or liver disease
• orthopedic conditions that would prevent or limit exercise