Researchers shows Wii Fit Works for Older People
Sunday, April 4th, 2010
Work being presented at the 2010 British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) Annual Student Conference at Aberystwyth University this week reveals that when 20 pensioners completed a standard active gaming session, 45% of the time was spent in moderate to vigorous intensity activity. It is this type of activity that can prevent the natural decline in physical function often observed with aging.
What's more, following the Wii session, the elderly subjects reported elevated mood, and it is suggested that physical activity of this sort could improve cognitive function in older adults.
In another study being presented at the conference, researchers have shown that 30 minutes of active gaming on the Wii Fit can also improve insulin sensitivity. Just like traditional exercise, it seems that the Wii Fit increases the body's sensitivity to the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin, the long term effect of which is a reduction in the risk of developing diabetes.
Although active gaming seems to hold promise for encouraging a more energetic population, one group of researchers found that it does not alter everyone's desire to exercise more regularly. In a group of previously sedentary women, after five weeks of regular Wii fit sessions, over 70% of the subjects indicated that they intended to change their exercise behavior and carry on using the Wii Fit. However, at a four week follow-up, only 25% of women had actually continued to exercise.
Finally, for those of you who like to blame your Wii equipment when you don't beat Auntie Doris at hula hooping or archery, you are out of excuses! Research being presented at the BASES student conference has shown that the Wii balance board, and the Wii controller are as accurate as more sophisticated force platforms and accelerometers used in human movement laboratories.
