1. Introduction
This project is based around video
games that are geared towards a
more fun and active way for physical
activity. These video games can be
played by all ages and are a different
alternative way to get people more
active. This study compares the
amount of enjoyment a person will get
out of the exercise with the perceived
exhaustion from playing the games.
iDance vs Dance Central 2
Julie Myers - SUNY Cortland
Methods
20 college students participated
in this study. The students
started out by playing iDance
and then moved to playing
Dance Central 2. After a few
songs were played in each
game, each student took their
heart rate for 15 seconds and
were asked for their RPE on a
scale of 1-10 (rated perceived
exertion), and their enjoyment
of the game which was on a
scale of 1-5.
Results
The results of each student's
heart rate, RPE, and enjoyment
from playing each game are
shown in the two graphs in the
bottom left and right corners.
For iDance the average heart
rate was 23.65, the average
RPE was 2.45 and the average
enjoyment was 4.15. For Dance
Central the average heart rate
was 27.05, the average RPE
was 3.7 and the average
enjoyment was 3.9
Conclusion
The results show that while Dance
Central seemed to get the students heart
rates and RPE’s higher, iDance seemed
to be the more enjoyable activity for the
class.
This study shows that without going to a
gym it is possible to get your heart rate
up and improve your physical activity
each day, and in a fun way. To some
people, walking on a treadmill is boring
and is a hassle. However, these games
are available to anyone and they are
more fun than walking on a treadmill
because it is dancing. It is possible to get
your heart rate up while playing a video
game and having fun.