Overview
Exergaming is more than a combination of just “exercise” and “games,” since such a definition would include football. Instead, it is an activity that combines exercise with electronic game playing.
By "exercise" we mean any activity that increases heart rate via muscular exertion. So while playing Dungeons and Dragons may indeed quicken your pulse, most of the heart-rate increase results from the excitement of the game rather than muscular exertion.
By “electronic game,” we mean an activity played using either a computer, game console, or other electronic interface that has rules, goals, and feedback.
Taken from Games for Health listserve March 31 2009 - http://www.gamesforhealth.org/index3.html
Short Definition
Exergaming : physical exercise with video games; video games that require gross motor activity
Pre-emptive Dictionary Definition
Exergaming (Proper noun) : A fitness/wellness methodology that promotes interactive entertainment technologies (Exergames) in creating physical and/or mental exertion. This methodology can act autonomously or in conjunction with existing exercise practices.
Exergaming is now referenced in a number of dictionaries including:
Macmillian English Dictionary:
The activity of playing video games that provide physical exercise
Collins English Dictionary
Playing video games that require a lot of physical exercise
Legal Definition
Exergaming:
Latest 'Working' Definition (25.09.09) Version 3
This definition considers the function and purpose of exergaming. It does not try to define exergaming products (exergames) but rather what is required to create an ‘exergaming experience’. The imperative with defining exergaming, is to recognize its two synergistic components.
1. Video/Digital [Multimedia] Gaming: An activity that involves interaction with a user interface to generate sensory feedback on a multimedia device. The gaming platform is irrelevant, it can be of any origin and form (console, PC, mobile phone, portable gaming device etc).
2. Exercise: Physical activity that is a planned, structured movement of the body designed to enhance physical fitness.
|
Exergaming is a 'beneficial' exertion experience (methodology) gained through the interfacing of physical activity and multimedia gaming
|
Plugin error: That plugin is not available.
Comments (4)
Brett W.M.Young said
at 6:37 am on Apr 12, 2009
I've included 'mental exertion' for several reasons, but I fully realise that my reasoning may be largely unsubstantiated or just simply 'wrong' :) - I'm not precious about this definition by any means.
1: The 'Kinesthetic' nature of games such as 'Big Brain Academy' which require articulation of movement and cognitive ability,
2: Reports and articles extoling how Exergaming (within a school enviroment) has improved behaviour and increased cognitive competence directly resulting in increased attentiveness and attendance. One article was in Medical News Today last May http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/109138.php
Brett W.M.Young said
at 3:43 pm on Sep 6, 2009
The latest 'Working' Definition works in conjunction with the proposed Rating System for Exergaming. Basically the definition comes from the method or function of the Exergaming experience not as a result of the exergame itself.
Richard Coshott said
at 7:04 pm on Sep 7, 2009
I just added a couple of actual dictionary references - looks like video games win the day :P Now I'm sure that'll kick off a debate on "What is a video game?" :)
Brett W.M.Young said
at 3:15 am on Sep 8, 2009
In that respect I've updated the Working Definition to 'video gaming' not just 'gaming'.
One question: I would think that we require exergaming to offer a 'fitness' benefit, not just an activity benefit??
You don't have permission to comment on this page.