The Effectiveness of Active Videogames on BMI Among Young People: A Meta-Analysis

• In Event: Gaming & Computer Tailored Interventions for Health

Abstract

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to quantify the effectiveness of active videogames (AVGs) as obesity prevention interventions aimed at children and adolescents. Only studies were included that focused on children or adolescents (≤18 years), assessed BMI as the outcome measure, used one or more AVGs as intervention, employed a controlled experimental design, used BMI as an outcome measure, enrolled participants 18 years or younger, and comprised original studies. Nine studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The average effect of active videogames on children and adolescents was small to medium-sized and significant: Hedges’ g = 0.38 (95% CI: 0.00 - 0.77). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I2 = .91) but moderator analyses showed no significant effects for participants’ weight status, sample size, intervention duration and dropout. The results of this meta-analysis provide preliminary evidence that active videogames can have positive effects on BMI among children/adolescents.

Authors

• Jonathan Vantriet, Radboud University Nijmegen

• Eva Alblas, Radboud U

• Rik Crutzen, Maastricht U

• Amy Shirong Lu, Northeastern U