Investigating the effects of active video games on oxygen consumption and energy expenditure comparing male and female groups

The purposes of this thesis are (1) to examine the effects of some physiological variables of different active video (AV) games, (2) to compare the physiological effects of different AV games with classic exercise, and (3) to compare the physiological effects of different AV games between the sexes. Forty three (n=22 male, n=21 female) volunteers participated in this study. In five different conditions (resting, watching television, brisk walking, playing AV dancing game, and playing AV fighting game) oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2) and heart rate (HR) were measured. Energy expenditure (EE), metabolic equivalent (MET) and respiration exchange ratio (RER) were calculated. Additionally, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and enjoyment scores were recorded in five different conditions. VO2, HR, EE, RER and MET scores recorded in five different conditions were found to be statistically different (p<0.01). The results indicated that, except RER, the group x measurements interaction were significant, where the differences between groups were significant (p<0.01). There was no significant difference for recorded RPE and enjoyment scores (except resting) between groups (p>0.05). Besides, the results demonstrated that RPE and enjoyment scores recorded in different conditions were significantly different in male and female groups. As a result, the AV dance game and AV fighting game have been indicated to provide high-intensity exercise criteria (> 6 METs). Therefore it is suggested to do physical activity by active video games. Keywords: Active video games, Physical activity, Energy expenditure, Oxygen consumption, Heart rate