The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped many aspects of our daily lives, including how we maintain physical activity. As public health restrictions limited traditional exercise options, exergaming emerged as a viable alternative to support an active lifestyle. This blog explores the findings from the study "The Change in Exergaming From Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Young Adults: Longitudinal Study" and offers insights for practitioners looking to enhance their skills and promote physical activity through digital interventions.
The Rise of Exergaming
Exergaming, or active video gaming, combines physical activity with interactive technology. It has gained popularity as a means to stay active while enjoying the benefits of gaming. The study highlights that during the pandemic, 8.2% of participants started exergaming, while 9.7% sustained their exergaming habits. This suggests that exergaming can be an attractive option for individuals seeking to maintain or increase their physical activity levels during challenging times.
Key Findings from the Study
- High MVPA Levels: Participants who started exergaming during the pandemic reported higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels compared to those who did not engage in exergaming.
- Sustained Engagement: Although sustained exergamers reported lower MVPA levels during the pandemic, they increased their exergaming time by a median of 60 minutes per week.
- Potential for Health Promotion: Despite not maintaining pre-pandemic activity levels, exergaming contributed significantly to overall physical activity among young adults.
Implementing Exergaming in Practice
For practitioners looking to incorporate exergaming into their practice, consider the following strategies:
- Diversify Exercise Options: Encourage clients to explore various exergames that cater to different interests and fitness levels.
- Create Supportive Environments: Facilitate virtual group sessions or challenges to foster social interaction and motivation among participants.
- Monitor Progress: Use self-monitoring tools available in many exergames to track progress and set achievable goals.
The Path Forward: Encouraging Further Research
The study underscores the potential of exergaming as a tool for promoting physical activity during pandemics. However, further research is needed to explore its long-term effects and identify best practices for implementation. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing field by conducting studies on different demographics and exploring innovative ways to integrate technology into health promotion efforts.
If you are interested in delving deeper into this topic, consider reading the original research paper: The Change in Exergaming From Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Young Adults: Longitudinal Study.
