More proof: exergames can reach MVPA!

3-11-11: Over the last few days, I've been excited to see the latest study by Bailey & McInnis, published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, showing that exergames can get players to reach the moderate to vigorous intensity levels, being talked about all over the net.

Exergames can reach MVPA
This joins a growing body of research showing that certain types of exergames can be used to reach the moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity (MVPA). (See the list of research in The Exergame Network database, the Exergames Unlocked database, and Health Games Research database.)

Ever since the latest federal recommendations for physical activity came out in 2008, I've been saying that certain exergames can help Americans fulfill these recommendations, so it's nice to see more and more research supporting this this idea.

We know that exergames can overcome many of the obstacles faced in motivating people to be more physically active. We know that exergames can be appropriate interventions for reaching the PA recommendations.

Will they keep playing long enough to see the benefit?
What we don't know for sure yet is if players will keep playing long enough to gain the biometric benefits (reduced weight, lowered BP, reduced blood markers, etc.) those of us in healthcare desire to see.

Another recent study published online in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise (MSSE) concluded that "...active video games can significantly increase energy expended during screen time, but these games are less enjoyable than other more sedentary games, suggesting that they may be less likely to be played over time...".

NAGL to the rescue?
This is an organization like the now-forming National Active Gaming League (NAGL) can help address this "less enjoyment" factor and long-term compliance.

Just like swimming laps during a swim team practice is less enjoyable than playing Marco Polo at a swimming b-day party, organizing teams and training together for upcoming NAGL tournaments can empower kids and adults to "train" on exergames at a new level.

The structure provided by NAGL can give exergaming teams and "AGAs" (active gaming athletes) a reason to continue to train for the right duration and intensity.

A Prediction
Someday, the NAGL will be as effective at getting kids and adults to reach MVPA as the National Spelling Bee is at getting kids to study and compete in spelling. Then maybe someday, we will see the NAGL national finals on ESPN, just like the National Spelling finals!

3-9-11: Rec'd this from a recent Exercise is medicine e-letter...

World Physical Activity Day

Exercise is Medicine and Agita Mundo are pleased to announce that April 6th 2011 is World Physical Activty Day.

This year's theme is "Together for an Active and Happy Life!" Exercise is Medicine and Agita Mundo are encouraging partners around the world to participate by planning a physical activity event for their community.

If you are unable to plan an event, be a part of the Virtual Walking Parade. At 10am on April 6th, send a message to your friends, family and colleagues about World Physical Activity Day through email, Facebook, Twitter or any means you like. Messages are encouraged to include the importance of physical activty and that only 30 minutes a day can make a siginificant improvement in health and wellness. For more information visit the Agita Mundo homepage.

Grand Terrace-sponsored Blue Mtn. Hike!

3-6-11: Next Sun.., March 13, starting at 8:00 AM, the city of Grand Terrace will be sponsoring their 3rd annual Blue Mountain Hike. The first year I went, there were over 200 people who hiked up and down Blue Mountain.

Hope you can join us on that hike!!!

Dr. Ernie

ps. For the official flier, check out: www.cityofgrandterrace.org/index.aspx?NID=551

March hike & bike rides

3-2-11: Due to the Blue Mountain Hike (8:00 AM, Grand Terrace, corner of Palm Ave. and Honey Hill Drive) on March 13, our AM ride will be on the FIRST Sun. this month, March 6, 8:30 AM. Please note the change from our usual 2nd Sun. schedule (see teamcyclefit.blogspot.com for more info).

Our afternoon ride will be the usual 4th Sun., March 27, 3:30 PM.

Hope you can join us on both the rides and the Blue Mountain Hike on the 13th!

PAE Pam Sampson on Team Cyclefit Ride!

2-14-11: We had the honor of having our local Physical Activity Evangelist and movie star, Pam Sampson, with us on her first Team CycleFit ride. We can't wait to see her on our next outing, riding her new bicycle!

To see her in action, check out the video clip for yesterday's ride on our Team CycleFit blog.

Health Journal on Exergaming

2-4-11: Thx to Sir Richard for posting this article in FB. Read this article from the Health Journal and check out my comment after it. Let me know what you think!

Childhood obesity linked to health habits, not genetics...

2-1-11:...says a recent Univ. of Michigan study. Check out the full article here.

“For the extremely overweight child, genetic screening may be a consideration,” says study senior author Kim A. Eagle, M.D., a cardiologist and a director of the U-M Cardiovascular Center. “For the rest, increasing physical activity, reducing recreational screen time and improving the nutritional value of school lunches offers great promise to begin a reversal of current childhood obesity trends.”