The Effect of Interactive Simulations on Exercise Adherence with Overweight and Obese Adults
Abstract
This study examines the effects of interactivity with video games and simulations on exercise adherence, exercise motivation, and self-efficacy in overweight and obese Army personnel. Although increased activity level has proven to be a critical element in weight loss and improved health, adherence to physical exercise programs has been problematic. Two important mediators of this relationship are self-efficacy and motivation to exercise. In an effort to improve exercise adherence and longer-term health outcomes, the proposed study implements a novel approach for remediating this problem by pairing game play on an interactive simulation during exercise on an exercise bicycle. Healthy active duty military personnel and Department of Defense beneficiaries will be randomized into 2 exercise groups, i.e., enhanced video game exercise bicycle group or standard exercise bicycle group. The project team developed a prototype stationary exercise bicycle with video game play capabilities. A 6-month prospective repeated measures experimental design will be used to evaluate differences across time in exercise adherence, self-efficacy, and exercise motivation, and, secondarily, cardiovascular fitness, exercise behavior indicators, health perceptions and quality of life. The study is intended to be a concept study for exercise adherence improvement, and not a clinical trial.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA567275
Entities
People
- Melba C. Stetz