Energy intake during activity enhanced video game play

Robin R. Mellecker, Lorraine Lanningham-Foster, James A. Levine, Alison M. McManus

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the addition of a motor component to video gaming alters energy consumption. To address this problem we used an experimental manipulation design with 9-13 year olds incorporating 'seated video game' and 'activity enhanced video game' conditions, whilst allowing snacks ad libitum. No difference in snacking between the two video gaming conditions was apparent. The children consumed 374 and 383kcalh-1 during seated and activity enhanced video gaming, respectively. A secondary purpose was to examine consistency of energy intake during free choice video game play. We found no difference in energy intake between four 1h free choice video gaming sessions. Snacking energy intake whilst video gaming was 166% more than the calories required during resting conditions. This study has shown that the addition of a motor component to the video game environment does not alter snack energy intake. However, the high calorific consumption during both seated and activity enhanced video game play highlights the need for an active attempt to restrict snacking whilst playing video games.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)343-347
Number of pages5
JournalAppetite
Volume55
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2010

Keywords

  • Children
  • Energy intake
  • Snacking behaviour
  • Video gaming

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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