National physical education experts say playing active video games in school can help prevent and reduce childhood obesity, USA Today reports.
Researchers from West Virginia University had overweight and obese children ages seven to 12 play Dance Dance Revolution for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week for 12 weeks. The researchers found the dancing provided a moderate to vigorous workout that improved fitness, blood pressure and arterial function.
Additionally, according to an active living researcher from San Diego State University, studies have shown physical activity improves concentration and attention, improving students’ performance on tests and homework.
While most researchers agree active video games are not replacements for traditional physical education, they do say playing games such as Your Shape, EA Sports Active, Just Dance and Dance Dance Revolution can serve as an additional tool to motivate children to exercise. PE teachers can connect gaming consoles to an HD-TV or classroom projector to get students excited about exercising.
According to Let’s Move, a campaign started by first lady Michelle Obama to reduce childhood obesity, about a third of children and adolescents are obese or overweight. The campaign states children need at least an hour of aerobic physical activity every day, but not many children currently meet that goal.
