Behavioral Choice Theory Approach to Testing Exertainment for Adolescent Physical Activity

This project identifies health behavior change principles used in commercially available exergames and their impact on adolescents’ physical activity levels. A study using the Xavix system (exergames with sport equipment controllers for tennis, boxing, bowling, cardio-fitness and other sports) is developing a systematic coding methodology that researchers and game developers can use to categorize exergames across a number of behavior change constructs.  The study, conducted in a laboratory and in adolescents’ homes, tests the coding system’s ability to identify the specific influence of exergames on players’ physical activity and emotional reactions during game play.