The Effects of Exergames on Physical and Psychological Health in Young Adults

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine the effects of Kinect-based exergaming on physical (balance and reaction time) and psychosocial health factors (mental well-being and subjective happiness level) in young adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 22 men aged between 18 and 40, who play sedentary videogames at least once a week, were randomly divided into 2 groups to participate in either a Kinect-based exergame program (experimental group, n = 11) or to continue playing sedentary videogames without making any changes (control group, n = 11). The Kinect-based exergame program, including three exergames (Kinect Adventure: Reflex Ridge, Dance Central 3, Kinect Sports: Volleyball), was implemented with the experimental group for 5 weeks, three times a week, and 45 minutes per session. Balance and reaction time were assessed using SportKAT® 4000 Kinesthetic Ability Trainer and FitLight Trainer™ devices, respectively. To measure mental well-being and subjective happiness level, scales with proven psychometric qualities, whose validity and reliability studies were conducted, were used. Results: Results of the study showed statistically significant improvement for the experimental group on the measures of reaction time [t(10) =-4.69, P = 0.001], subjective happiness [t(10) = 8.94, P = 0.000], and mental well-being [t(10) = 4.62, P = 0.001]. In addition, the difference between the groups in reaction time [t(20) = 1.66, P = 0.01], right leg static balance [t(20) =-2.96, P = 0.008], mental well-being [t(20) = 2.77, P = 0.012], and subjective happiness levels (U = 0.50, P = 0.000) was found to be statistically significant in favor of the experimental group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Kinect-based exergaming positively supports adults' reaction time, mental well-being, and subjective happiness.