Exercise: Using a Wii May Be Helpful for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk.

Exercise videogames have been widely marketed to Americans in an attempt to increase fitness, but do they help? A new study examined the benefits of exercise video game use among individuals with hypertension. Participants completed a twelve-week program that included 36, one-hour sessions. The researchers noted significant improvement in physical activity minutes, peak heart rate, and resting systolic blood pressure at the conclusion of the study, along with improvements in general health, vitality, and emotional health. The findings support the use of exercise video games to improve both cardiovascular fitness and psychosocial health. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, February 2015