Active video game playing in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: Exercise or just fun?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Xbox Kinect has been proposed as an exercise intervention in cystic fibrosis (CF), but its potential has not been compared with standard training modalities. METHODS: Using a crossover design, subjects were randomized to 2 intervention groups: Xbox Kinect and a traditional stationary cycle. Heart rate, SpO2, dyspnea, and fatigue were measured. Subject satisfaction was tested. RESULTS: Thirty subjects with CF (11 males, mean ± SD age of 12 ± 2.5 y, mean ± SD FEV1 of 73 ± 16% of predicted) were enrolled. Xbox Kinect provided a cardiovascular demand similar to a stationary cycle, although the modality was different (interval vs continuous). Maximum heart rates were similar (P =.2). Heart rate target was achieved more frequently with a stationary cycle (P =.02). Xbox Kinect caused less dyspnea (P =.001) and fatigue (P