computer games :- Video games that help keep kids fit

Video games that help keep kids fit

 Tampa, Florida - Active video games like Nintendo's Wii console are changing the way kids play. They're no longer sitting at a computer, they're up and moving.

USF has spent three years studying the impact active video games have on childhood obesity.

"Why not take what everyone is deeming the enemy, why not let them play the games that they love just make them more active?" says Lisa Hansen, USF assistant professor for Physical Education and Exercise Science and co-director of the active gaming research labs at USF.

The program has caught the attention of the White House and today the executive director of the President's Council on physical fitness and sports was in Tampa to visit the program at Witter Elementary. A classroom at the school has been turned into an arcade.

Walk into the room and you'll find kids at each video game machine working up a sweat.

"It's fun and I still get to exercise my leg muscles," says Edgerrin James, 10, 4th grader.

"I don't feel weak, I feel stronger," adds Jasmine Jean, 10, 5th grader.

Witter Elementary students use the active gaming room two to three times a week.

"The more we can push the fact exercise is fun with friends, social type of thing, the more likely they will do it," says Lynda Correia, PE Teacher at Witter Elementary.

Some students box a virtual opponent. Others let their feet tap to the music. It takes coordination and stamina, plus sweat and muscle to keep these games moving.

10 year old Edgerrin James has taken more than 1,400 steps in 25 minutes. "I feel great. I know I worked hard but I feel very tired," describes Edgerrin. Does he feel energized? "Yes Ma'am," he adds.

The active game room is part of a research project by USF on childhood obesity. Hansen says research shows the active games encourage kids to move and learn.

"Students feel when they are able to play these active games fun and exciting, they're encouraged to go to PE wanting to learn the objective of the class," says Hansen.

Students say while having fun, they learn the importance of exercise.

Jasmine says, "When you play the game it increases your heart rate, makes your legs stronger."

Edgerrin says, "It's taught me as long as you keep exercising your heart will be good and healthy."

USF researchers suggest this holiday season, parents should buy active video games for their family to help keep everyone up and moving.