Do active video games affect physical performance?

With the development of technology, people have begun to live more inactive. This lifestyle increases the risk of many diseases. Therefore, the production of new technological devices (home-based game consoles and active video games) that connect people with both technology and movement is becoming widespread. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of active video games on physical performance in healthy adults with low physical activity levels with those who do walking exercise. The study included 19 healthy adults aged 40-60 years, who were inactive according to the international physical activity questionnaire. Participants were divided into 3 groups as "active video game (n=7)", "walk" (n=6) and "control" (n=6). Stork balance, maximum muscle strength and endurance tests were applied to all participants before the applications. After 4 weeks of applications, the performance tests were repeated and the effect of the video game was evaluated. In the comparison between the groups, there was no significant difference before the application in terms of age, height, body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI). After the applications, BW and BMI decreased significantly in the active video game group (p≤0.04). While flexion and extension maximum muscle strength values increased significantly in the right and left legs in the walking group (flexion p≤0.001, p≤0.01, extension p≤0.05, p≤0.02, respectively), in the active video group, the left leg flexion and extension values increased significantly (p≤0.001, p≤0.03) respectively. In terms of muscular endurance, a slight increase was found on the right side in the active video game group (p≤0.05). Balance time showed a significant improvement only on the left side of the walking group (p≤0.05). As a result, active video game exercise program given to healthy adults with low physical activity level; It was determined that it decreased BW and BMI, and improved unilateral knee flexion and extension muscle strength, but it did not provide a significant improvement in muscular endurance and static balance properties.