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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01523795

PRESENCE 2: Predicting Sedentary Entertainment Choices and Effects

The purpose of this study is to determine whether playing motion-controlled video games produces low caloric intake and higher caloric expenditure than watching TV or playing traditional video games.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Obesity Behavior Body Weight Motor Activity Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Physical Activity Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27755, United States

About this study

The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in behaviors and emotions during TV watching and video game playing. Participants will be randomized to either watch TV, play traditional button-based video games, or play motion-based video games for one hour while palatable snack foods and sugar-sweetened beverages are provided within easy reaching distance. Both energy intake as well as energy expenditure during a one-hour period will be measured. All three conditions will be optimized to resemble typical in-home conditions as much as possible.

An additional goal of this study is to provide insight into the possible pathways by which TV and video games differentially affect intake and expenditure. Distraction from the real world (also called presence or engagement) will be analyzed to determine if a) these variables differ across groups and b) if these variables explain differences in energy intake and/or expenditure. The TV group will watch TV shows using Netflix streaming service, which will allow them to choose from a variety of popular shows without viewing commercials. As the investigators are primarily interested in satiety and hand occupation effects, the lack of commercials will allow us to eliminate food advertisements as a causal factor.

Finally, the third major goal of the study is to investigate how young adults choose screen-based media. In the two video game arms, participants will be allowed to choose to play any of 10 provided games, and in the TV group, participants will be able to choose from hundreds of options. Choices of game/program, time spent on each game/program, and psychological reactions to each game will be measured and analyzed.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Between the ages of 18 and 35 years old

Exclusion criteria

  • Not at least a novice video game played (defined as having played games once or twice within the last year)
  • Has pre-existing medical condition that precludes physical activity
  • Is unable to find transportation to the study center
  • Does not agree to be videotaped during the experiment
  • Does not agree or is unable to fast for two hours prior to the experiment
  • Is pregnant or nursing
  • Weighs more than 300 pounds (required by one of the game controllers)

Treatment and study plan

Motion-controlled video gaming

Other

Play of motion-controlled video games for one hour

Traditional video gaming

Other

Participants played traditional video games for one hour

Television watching

Other

Participants watched television for one hour

Primary outcomes

  1. Energy intake

    Time frame: One-hour study period

    Energy intake was measured by weighing available food and beverage containers before and after one-hour period in which participants watched TV/played video games, then calculating the differences in weights

Secondary outcomes

  1. Energy expenditure

    Time frame: One-hour study period

    Energy expenditure was measured using a Sense Wear Pro armband, which uses accelerometry and galvanic skin response to estimate metabolic equivalents

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2010
Primary completion
2011
Study completion
2011
First posted
Feb 1, 2012
Registry last updated
Feb 1, 2012

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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