Mixed Reality Gaming Boosts Children’s Physical Activity Levels

Study Overview

A recent study from the University of Georgia reveals that mixed reality gaming may serve as an effective catalyst for encouraging children to become more physically active.

The research indicates that children participating in this innovative gaming approach showed a significant uptick in exercise levels.

As the landscape of childhood fitness continues to shift, many children fall short of meeting the recommended daily physical activity guidelines.

Parents and caregivers often grapple with finding ways to inspire children to lead more active lifestyles.

Research Insights

Sun Joo Ahn, the lead researcher and a professor at UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, points out that merely providing a video game does not automatically translate into increased exercise.

The expectation that children will achieve weight loss or higher activity levels without added support is unrealistic.

Everyone needs some degree of social support and connection to foster lasting lifestyle changes.

Ahn underlines the promising role technology can play in bridging the gap between parents and children, facilitating teamwork in pursuing active and healthy habits.

The study involved more than 300 children and their parents from after-school programs with the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta.

Participants were split into two groups: one engaged with a mixed reality kiosk while the other relied on a computer program that set exercise goals lacking social interaction.

In this digital fitness program, children interacted with a virtual pet dog created by the research team.

They were encouraged to set their own physical activity goals, fueling their motivation to reach those targets.

Fitbits tracked their activity, rewarding children for meeting goals by unlocking new interactions with the virtual dog.

The researchers aimed to delve into how autonomy and a sense of achievement could influence children’s fitness aspirations.

Rather than imposing predetermined goals, the mixed reality kiosk allowed children to establish objectives that resonated with their current fitness levels.

Role of Caregivers

Essential to this process of behavioral change is the sense of mastery that accompanies achievement.

However, if children have no prior experience of success, they may struggle to recognize their potential.

This research emphasized goals tailored to suit each child’s unique journey, paving the way for greater engagement.

Supporting sustained behavioral changes is all about social reinforcement.

In this study, the virtual pet offered one form of positive feedback.

As children met their objectives, the pet’s health improved, unlocking longer play sessions and the chance to teach it more elaborate tricks.

Caregivers proved to be indispensable in this dynamic.

Parents received real-time text updates about their child’s progress, reinforcing encouragement and support.

This feature enhanced social bonds, making it easier for families to cultivate active habits together.

Backed by a grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, this significant research was published in the journal npj Digital Medicine, featuring contributions from several co-authors at the University of Georgia.

Study Details:

• Title: Virtual fitness buddy ecosystem: a mixed reality precision health physical activity intervention for children
• Authors: Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, Michael D. Schmidt, Allan D. Tate, Stephen Rathbun, James J. Annesi, Lindsay Hahn, Eric Novotny, Christian Okitondo, Rebecca N. Grimsley, Kyle Johnsen
• Journal: npj Digital Medicine
• Publication Date: 2024
• DOI: 10.1038/s41746-024-00874-7