We Fat?

Computer Games Fitness programmes do not necessarily increase the fitness in children according to latest research.

The Baylor College of Medicine set out to see if there was any improvement in children's fitness from having Nintendo Wii consoles to hand.  78 children between the ages of 9 - 12 were studied using a device called an accelerometer. The children were split into a study group and a control group, health measurements were taken at weeks; 1, 6, 7 and 12.  The results of the tests showed no difference in health levels between those who had the games consoles and those without.  Dr. Tom Baranowski, professor of paediatrics and first author of the report said "It's not clear whether those in the study group were more active as a result of the video games but compensated by being less active later in the day or if they found a way to manipulate the instruments to minimise the amount of physical activity." He went on to say "It doesn't appear that there's any public health value to having active video games available in stores – simply having those active video games available on the shelf or at home doesn't automatically lead to increased levels of physical activity in children."
The report can be read here

photo by Jason A. Trommetter

Even though it appears that  these games don't really improve physical activity levels, don't give up on them yet.  They can be very useful to get some kind of activity out of your kids (or you).  What it does show, however, is that we can't just leave them to their own devices.  We do still need to ensure discipline and understanding of the importance of exercise in relation to their life.  It's one of those necessary duties which have to be done.  A responsibility not just to ourselves but also to those that love us and that we love.  Try to mix up some of the game sessions with real exercise.  For example; play tennis on the console, fine, but then go for a real game of tennis from time to time. 

Stay Healthy!

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