Using active video games to improve health in overweight and obese college students
Effects of Active Video Games on Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Body Composition Among Overweight and Obese College Students in China
This study tests if playing active video games can help overweight and obese college students in China improve their physical and mental health over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 58 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 22 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universiti Putra Malaysia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jining, Shandong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06078150 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the impact of active video games (AVG) on the physical and mental health of overweight and obese college students in China. Participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which engages in AVG using the Nintendo Switch and Fitness Ring Adventure, or a control group that maintains their usual lifestyle. The intervention lasts for 12 weeks, with sessions held three times a week, and measures physical activity, mental health, and body composition at three intervals: before, midway, and after the intervention. The study aims to provide a fun alternative to traditional exercise methods that may not appeal to college students.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Chinese university students aged 18-22 who are classified as overweight or obese.
Not a fit: Patients who are physically active, majoring in physical education, or have health conditions that limit their ability to participate in physical activity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an engaging way for overweight and obese college students to improve their physical activity levels and mental health.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes using active video games for improving physical activity and mental health, suggesting this approach has potential.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Chinese university students between the ages of 18-22 * Overweight and obese Chinese university students (40≥BMI ≥ 25) * No experience playing AVGs before participating in this experiment * Subjects who were considered to be able to exercise healthily according to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) * There are no injuries to the ankle or upper or lower extremities that could affect participation in AVG intervention and daily life Exclusion Criteria: * College students majoring in physical education or involved in specialised training * People who are pregnant or on a diet * History of cardiorespiratory or respiratory disease (e.g., asthma) or metabolic disease * Severe muscular or skeletal injuries within the past 3 months * Participants with contraindications to physical activity as determined by the questions on the PAR-Q * Other health problems that would affect the safety of the subject during the experiment.
Where this trial is running
Jining, Shandong
- Qufu Normal University — Jining, Shandong, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yue Zhao, PhD — University Putra Malaysia
- Study coordinator: Yue Zhao, PhD
- Email: gs62980@student.upm.edu.my
- Phone: +8613173327882
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.