Pilot Study of an Active Screen Time Game Correlates with Improved Physical Fitness in Minority Elementary School Youth.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our feasibility study was to examine the acceptability and utility of "Dance Dance Revolution" (DDR) (Konami of America, Redwood City, CA)) to increase physical fitness in 8-11-year-old black and Hispanic youth. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight 4(th) and 5(th) grade children attending an afterschool program participated. Outcomes included physical activity, physical fitness, use of home DDR, survey of safety and acceptability, anthropometrics, and fasting metabolic profile measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 30 weeks. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, physical fitness (maximum O2 uptake [VO2max]) increased by 4.9±9.9 percent and was sustained through 30 weeks, when the VO2max was 105.0±9.9 percent (range, 93.0-133.9 percent) of baseline values. Absolute VO2max increased by 2.97±4.99 mL/kg/minute (95% confidence interval 0.75-5.19, P=0.013). Participants maintained an average of 1.12 hours/day of increased movement to music. Trends suggested increased total moderate-vigorous physical activity, decreased light activity, and a modest increase in sedentary screen time. There were no significant changes in body mass index, fasting lipids, or glucose. Participants and parents approved of the activity. CONCLUSION: DDR appears feasible and acceptable to minority youth. DDR may increase moderate-vigorous physical activity and improve physical fitness in at-risk populations.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Bethea, TC; Berry, D; Maloney, AE; Sikich, L

Published Date

  • February 2012

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 1 / 1

Start / End Page

  • 29 - 36

PubMed ID

  • 26196430

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC5395018

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 2161-783X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1089/g4h.2011.0005

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States