The concept of “exergaming” is rapidly gaining popularity in the world of fitness and entertainment, offering an innovative and engaging way to stay fit.
Exergaming or active games is a term used to refer to a genre of video games that pushes the player to move and exercise. You challenge your body to achieve certain goals Exergaming is based on a video game dynamic that requires you to move your body in reality.
This type of game is overturning the stereotype of video games, which are regarded as a sedentary activity, by making them activators of an active and dynamic lifestyle.
This emerging trend is transforming the way people of all ages approach physical and mental fitness maintenance.
In this insight, we will explore the benefits and applications of exergames, with a focus on two popular games: “
Ring Fit Adventure
” by Nintendo and “
Dribblium
“, an innovative game that teaches individual technique in soccer, not virtual soccer. We will discover how these not only offer a fun and engaging way to exercise but also contribute to physical and cognitive rehabilitation.
What are Exergames?
Exergames, a fusion of ‘exercise’ and ‘games,’ are video games that require physical activity to play. Some of these games (also named fitness games) use technology to track body movements, heart rate and other vital metrics, turning traditional exercise into a dynamic and interactive gaming experience.
With exercise consoles such as Nintendo Switch, these games offer a practical solution to working out at home, eliminating the need for expensive equipment or trips to the gym that often require time you don’t have available.
Others, however, use motion staves such as Dribblium reproduced on soccer mats to teach dribbling techniques in a simple way by following lines, numbers and arrows, with training sessions to be activated on the TV. In both cases as users train, they earn credits, climb leaderboards, unlock training levels, earn badges, and stay in shape.
Physical Benefits of Exergames
Improvement of Physical Fitness
Research published in the Journal of Health Psychology shows that exergames, which combine digital entertainment with exercise, have a positive impact on body composition, improving cardiorespiratory fitness and increasing muscle strength. These virtual sports games are structured to provide a comprehensive and dynamic workout, integrating elements typical of role-playing games with actual physical activities. Through gameplay, players are stimulated to perform actions such as running, jumping, and performing a variety of movements that not only increase their cardiovascular endurance but also strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
This type of interactive physical activity is particularly effective in keeping users engaged and motivated, turning exercise into a playful and rewarding experience. In addition, the variety of exercises offered by exergames helps prevent the monotony of traditional workouts, offering a stimulating and fun method of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities.
Reducing the Risk of Disease
Regular practice of physical activity is critical for the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Fitness video games, offer a fun and engaging way to incorporate exercise into the daily routine, helping to reduce the risk of these conditions.
The American Heart Association highlights how exergaming not only makes physical activity more exciting but also meets weekly physical activity recommendations.
Through the use of interactive games that stimulate bodily movement, users remain motivated and engaged, transforming exercise from an onerous task to a fun and anticipated part of the day. This approach can greatly improve cardiac health and weight control, offering an effective solution to combat the onset of sedentary-related diseases.
Mental Benefits of Exergames
Improving Mental Health
Regular physical activity is a powerful ally in the fight against mental disorders, proving effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exergames, which combine the fun of gaming with exercise, amplify these benefits due to their highly addictive nature.
These interactive games not only improve mood and self-esteem through physical movement, but also encourage overcoming challenges and achieving goals, increasing personal motivation and satisfaction.
Completion of specific tasks and progression in game levels provide immediate positive feedback, enhancing perceptions of personal efficacy and contributing to long-term mood improvement. In addition, exergames can facilitate social interaction and mutual support, key elements of psychological well-being, by providing a safe and welcoming environment where players can connect and share experiences, thereby reducing feelings of isolation or loneliness.
This combination of physical activity, fun and social interaction makes exergames an effective and enjoyable therapeutic tool for improving mental health
Cognitive Stimulation
In addition to mental health benefits, exergames can also offer cognitive benefits. Games such as “Dribblium” require players to think quickly and make decisions in real time, improving problem-solving skills and eye-foot coordination.
This kind of mental stimulation is essential to keep the mind agile and improve cognitive abilities over time. The motor control theories of cognitive psychology, recognized by the
Examples of Exergames: Ring Fit Adventure and Dribblium
Nintendo’s Ring Fit Adventure
“Nintendo’s “Ring Fit Adventure” is a pioneer in the fitness video game scene, combining exercise with an immersive gaming adventure. Through the use of the Ring-Con and leg band, players explore a world full of challenges, where every physical movement — from squats to jogging in place — results in gameplay actions to fight enemies and overcome obstacles.
This game is designed to be universally accessible, with varying difficulty modes that make it suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes. “Ring Fit Adventure” not only motivates a broad spectrum of users to stay active, but immerses them in a compelling narrative that makes physical activity an exciting and integral component of the game experience.
Dribblium: Football in the living room at home
Dribblium represents a revolution in the world of soccer, turning the living room into a playground. Dribblium is an innovative video game designed to help young soccer players improve their ball control and dribbling techniques. It includes more than 100 different drills, structured in five levels of difficulty, which are unlocked progressively by completing videos of the previous level.
These exercises are guided by experienced coaches and are to be replicated on the “training map,” a rectangular mat that replicates a piece of the playing field directly in the user’s home.
At the end of each video lesson, players can personally evaluate their execution of the technique and decide whether to repeat the exercise. Each completed session is accompanied by a detailed report that includes the player’s self-assessment, the number of repetitions performed, the date of the last execution, and the time spent on the exercise, thus providing a complete overview of the progress made.
This approach allows young soccer players to hone their skills in a structured and monitored manner, right from the comfort of home.
In addition to promoting intense physical activity, Dribblium is designed to foster socialization and team play. Through multiplayer modes, the game allows players to connect and compete with others, both locally and online, creating an opportunity to strengthen social bonds and develop communication and collaboration skills. This social dimension is particularly valuable as it encourages players to interact in a playful and cooperative context, enhancing their social experience while having fun and staying active.
Dribblium is not just a fitness exercise; it is a platform that offers a comprehensive workout that engages the body and mind, improving motor skills and responsiveness while developing important social skills. With Dribblium, the soccer and fitness experience are merged into one stimulating virtual environment, opening up new possibilities for active enjoyment and social interaction
Benefits of Exergames for Children and WHO Recommendations.
Children’s physical and mental well-being is critical, and exergames provide an exceptional opportunity to promote an active lifestyle from a young age. Video games that incorporate physical activity can help instill healthy habits in children by providing a fun and challenging way to exercise. This type of game is especially valuable in an era when childhood obesity is a growing global health concern.
TheWorld Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per day for maximum health benefits. Exergames can significantly contribute to this goal, especially for children who are less prone to traditional physical activities. These games not only encourage movement, but as we have seen they can also improve motor skills, coordination, and balance.
Additionally, the social aspect of exergames is of great value to children. Games such as Dribblium allow players to interact with others in a safe virtual environment, promoting teamwork and social skills. In addition, the competitive and playful context of such games can increase adherence and regularity in physical activity, helping children develop a fun and rewarding exercise routine that can last a lifetime.
Incorporating exergames into children’s daily regimen can therefore be an effective and enjoyable way to help them meet WHO physical activity guidelines, thereby improving their physical and cognitive development significantly. These games offer a creative alternative that can transform the perception of exercise, making it an exciting and integral component of their daily lives.
Conclusion
Exergames represent an exciting frontier in the field of physical and mental well-being. With games such as Nintendo’s “Ring Fit Adventure” and “Dribblium,” users can enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity while immersing themselves in immersive virtual worlds. Whether it’s fighting monsters with squats and lunges or doing spectacular dribbles in a soccer game, exergames offer a fun and effective way to stay fit, mentally active and socially connected.
Faq
What is the first exergames in history?
The first recognized exergame in history is “Dance Dance Revolution” (DDR), created by Konami and launched in 1998.
What is meant by simulated play?
A simulated game is a video game that reproduces realistic or simplified situations, allowing players to experience virtual scenarios that mimic reality.
Why playing video games excessively can be bad for you?
Playing video games excessively can cause an addiction known as “gaming disorder.”
Are exergames suitable for all ages?
Exergames are versatile and designed to be accessible and beneficial for people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
Are exergames effective in improving motor skills in children?
Yes, exergames can improve motor skills in children by stimulating coordination, balance and responsiveness through interactive play.
Can exergames really improve fitness?
Description of common technologies and devices used in exergames, such as dance mats, motion controllers, and game consoles.
Can exergames replace traditional exercise?
Exergames can complement traditional exercise but not replace it altogether.
Are there exergames for people with disabilities?
Yes, there are exergames designed specifically for people with disabilities, offering adaptive interfaces and accessible game options, such as “EyePlay.”
