Active video games and weight management in overweight children and adolescents—systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background The prevalence of childhood obesity has been increasing for several decades. Active video games (AVG) may be an effective intervention to help manage this rising health crisis. The aim of this review is to evaluate whether AVG are effective at reducing weight or improving body composition in overweight youths. Method Medline, Embase, SportDiscus, ASSIA, CINAHL Plus, CENTRAL, CDSR and PsychINFO databases were searched for studies assessing quantitative or qualitative impact of AVG in overweight adolescents published in English. Three authors screened the results using inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria; 11 reported a significant decrease in at least one weight outcome. Results from seven randomized controlled trials were pooled by meta-analysis, which compared with controls subjects in AVG groups demonstrated greater body mass index (BMI) Z-score reduction (mean difference: −0.09 (−0.12, −0.05) I2 = 34%, P < 0.0001). The mean weight reduction (−2.66 Kg (−5.67, +0.35) I2 = 0%, P = 0.08) and BMI (−2.29 (−4.81, +0.22) I2 = 49%, P = 0.07) were greater in AVG groups but results did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions BMI Z-score was significantly reduced in the AVG group and the majority of included studies reported significant results in at least one weight outcome, suggesting AVG can be used to reduce weight or improve body composition in overweight youths. Further studies investigating the long-term sustainability of this change in body composition are needed.