LE3 .A278 2009

2009

Murphy, René

Acadia University

Bachelor of Kinesiology

Honours

Kinesiology

Kinesiology

In chapter 1 a literature review describing the important issues relating to the worldwide obesity epidemic is presented. Within the literature review is a description of the current obesity problem as well as contributing factors for obesity such as improper diet and lack of physical activity. The focus of this review was placed on children and adolescents, however it is important to note that obesity affects all individuals and that obesity rates among children and adolescents are a strong predictor for obesity in adulthood. Potential new-age technological solutions for the current obesity epidemic, such as the use of Exergames, specifically the Nintendo Wii, were also reviewed in this chapter. Chapter 2 describes research that focused on determining the potential cardiovascular benefits associated with playing three Nintendo Wii games. Data was collected from twenty-seven university-aged students. The results indicated that the Nintendo Wii games tested were unable to serve as complete substitutes for traditional forms of physical activity such as walking and running. However the results indicated that the more active Nintendo Wii games could help improve cardiovascular health if used in conjunction with other more active forms of physical activity.

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