Metabolic Responses to Wii Fit (Exergame) Activity

Jennifer R. Worley, Sharon N. Rogers, Robert R. Kraemer, FACSM. Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA. Email: jennifer.worley@selu.edu 

 Abstract: The Wii Fit™ is a form of interactive gaming that is designed to elicit health and fitness benefits to replace sedentary gaming. 

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the VO₂ and energy expenditure from different Wii Fit™ games at different levels including the step game and hula game. 

Methods: Eight females [mean age, ht., wt.,& VO₂max = 21.9y, 170.3cm, 71.6kg, 33.1 mL/kg/min] completed a preliminary trial to determine VO₂max and later played the Wii Fit™ on two separate occasions while VO₂ was measured using a metabolic cart (ParvoMedics, TrueOne 2400). During each session, the subjects played beginning, intermediate and “other” levels of Wii Fit™ games for 10 minutes at each level. One session involved beginning hula and intermediate hula and the other session involved beginning step and intermediate step; sessions were counter balanced. VO₂ was collected continuously whereas rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was determined pre-exercise and at the end of each game level. 

Results: The lowest %VO₂max, RER, kcal/min, & RPE occurred during the respective games: beginning step, beginning hula, beginning step, beginning step and hula. The highest %VO₂max, RER, kcal/min, and RPE occurred during intermediate hula (Table 1). 

Discussion: This is the first study to use open circuit spirometry to determine metabolic effects of the Wii Fit™. The intermediate hula and step games produced the greatest metabolic stress and energy expenditure with an equivalent effect of a walking speed >3.5mph (ACSM Metabolic Equations). Findings suggest that the Wii Fit™ can be used as an effective activity for promoting physical health.

Table I

	Mean % VO2 ± SE (7-10min)	Mean RER ± SE (7-10min)	Mean Kcal/min ± SE (7-10min)	Mean RPE ± SE (End of Level)
Beginning Hula	29.89 ± 0.67	0.86 ± 0.009	4.47 ± 0.15	9 ± 0.31
Intermediate Hula	36.76 ± 1.26	0.94 ± 0.008	4.70 ± 0.17	12 ± 0.47
Beginning Step	27.6 ± 0.89	0.87 ± 0.009	3.57 ± 0.12	9 ± 0.31
Intermediate Step	30.55 ± 1.14	0.92 ± 0.010	3.99 ± 0.13	10 ± 0.38