Exergaming and Aquatic Exercises Affect Lung Function and Weight Loss in Obese Children

Int J Sports Med. 2021 Jun;42(6):566-572. doi: 10.1055/a-1289-9307. Epub 2020 Nov 11.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of exergames and aquatic exercises on lung function and weight loss in obese children. Sixty-one obese male primary-school children were randomly allocated to video game, aquatic exercise, and control groups. Lung functions and anthropometric variables were measured before and after the intervention and after one month (follow-up). In the video game group, an Xbox Kinect game was played for 60 min during three sessions a week. The aquatic aerobic exercise was performed three times per week and consisted of a warm-up, main exercises, and a cool down phase. For the video game group, there was a significant reduction in body weight between (i) pre- and (ii) post-intervention and follow-up. In the aquatic exercise group, there was a significant reduction in body weight between pre- and post-intervention and between pre-intervention and follow-up. Both exercise groups improved the waist/hip ratio index compared to the control group. Forced vital capacity was significantly improved in the follow-up of the video game group and the aquatic exercise group compared to the control group. A significant improvement was found in forced expiratory volume in the first second at post-intervention and follow-up in the video game and the aquatic exercise groups. Exergames and aquatic exercises improved weight loss and lung function in obese children.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cool-Down Exercise
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Humans
  • Lung / physiology*
  • Male
  • Pediatric Obesity / physiopathology
  • Pediatric Obesity / therapy*
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Time Factors
  • Video Games* / statistics & numerical data
  • Vital Capacity
  • Waist-Hip Ratio
  • Warm-Up Exercise
  • Water*
  • Weight Loss*

Substances

  • Water