So are you really working out when you use a Nintendo Wii? Though there are still doubts over the video game console, a recent study says using your Wii may actually provide you with exercise.
At a recent American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Florida, scientists declared that users who take up the Nintendo Wii sports games and Wii Fit activities are increasing their energy expenditure. This can be considered as equal to moderate intensity exercise, they said.
Motohiko Miyachi, head of the physical activity program at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Tokyo that undertook the study, said: “It’s a very easy and fun way to start exercising.”
The study, which was funded by Nintendo, noted that a third of the Wii games and activities require energy expenditure of 3.0 METs (metabolic equivalent values, the standard method of estimating energy expenditure) or above. Based on AHA exercise guidelines, this is already considered as moderate intensity exercise.
Miyachi admitted that their study doesn’t prove the game has health benefits. However, he pointed out that increased playing time “may contribute to prevention of cardiovascular diseases.”
The single-arm stand of the Nintendo Wii Fit scored the highest in terms of METs: 5.6, close to the 6.0 or greater score required for vigorous activity. Next was Wii Sports boxing, which scored 4.5 METs, while Wii Tennis and Baseball each scored 3.0 METs. However, Wii Golf only scored a measly 2.0 METs.
On the other hand, a recent study by the American Council on Exercise found the effectiveness of the Wii Fit as ‘underwhelming’. The study examined activities in the Wii Fit like Free Run, Island Run, Super Hula Hoop, Free Step, Advanced Step and Rhythm Boxing.
The researchers noted that the “most aerobically challenging activities” like Free Run burned 165 calories during a thirty-minute session while Rhythm Boxing burned 114. “The Wii Fit is a very, very mild workout,” said Dr. John Porcari in describing the game in terms of exercise.
The study noted that the real-life counterparts of the Wii exercises burn more calories than virtual, e.g. traditional boxing burns three times as many calories as Rhythm Boxing.
However, the study did admit that Wii Fit burns twice as many calories as normal video games for couch potatoes. The study said that Wii Sports “is a better option” for gamers looking for a workout. (Joseph N)
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