EXERCISE WITH VIDEO GAMES

The American Heart Association has teamed with Nintendo to promote active versions like Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort for people of any age who don’t get 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. These devices – which use wireless, motion-sensitive, handheld controllers to interact with your TV – might help burn calories and can help improve balance, which might help prevent falls.

Elizabeth Orsega-Smith, PhD, a professor of Health Behavior Sciences at the University of Delaware, studied 24 people 66 to 74 and found that they burned an average of 103 calories during 30 minutes of Wii bowling and 70 calories playing Wii baseball.

A second study, of 31 adults 51 to 89, found an improvement in balance after four weeks of playing games that emphasize balance, such as skiing.

Our 2008 tests of the Wii Fit concluded that while the devices don’t offer much of a workout to people who are already fit, they might motivate people to become more active. Caution is necessary. The devices might interfere with pacemakers and, like real sports, can cause injuries. It is a good idea to talk with your doctor if you are middle aged or older and only beginning to exercise.