Dance Dance Revolution, a video game that has been given a five-star "exergame" rating by the American Council on Exercise, can be a viable way to get both you and your children more active. Although it shouldn't be a complete substitution for more traditional forms of physical activity, a game like Dance Dance Revolution can help combat the nearly 20 percent obesity rate in the United States. Whether it's for weight loss or for daily physical activity, Dance Dance Revolution can help you move your body.
Identification
Dance Dance Revolution is played with a large mat that attaches to the video game console. The mat has several spaces, along with arrows for front, back, left and right. To play the game, you start by following moving directions on the screen. Paired with energetic music, the directions move down the screen and you follow them as they emerge. As you become better and complete levels based on your performance, you advance to new routines and songs.
Benefits
What makes the game enticing is that you can unlock new levels and rewards by playing more, which can motivate you to keep playing and get more exercise. Since you're learning to move your body, Dance Dance Revolution can also help you refine your balance, flexibility and coordination while helping you to burn calories. The game is especially appropriate for children, who are attracted to video games in general thanks to the level of competition involved. The same features can help you stay motivated to work out for longer periods of time.
Disadvantages
Dance Dance Revolution is not a perfect way to exercise and does not replace traditional methods of physical activity. Only one or two people can use the dance pads at any given time, so if you're playing with a larger group of people you may not get as much physical activity. Although physical video games can certainly be part of a regular fitness routine, reducing screen time may be important for some children.
Results
Dance Dance Revolution has been implemented in schools as a way to entice individuals to exercise more. The game has also been reviewed by a study published in a 2006 issue of "Pediatrics." The study found that activity-promoting video games, like Dance Dance Revolution, doubled the activity level of children when compared to sedentary screen time such as watching TV. When played as part of an exercise routine, Dance Dance Revolution can help both children and adults fulfill daily physical activity requirements.
References
- American Council on Exercise: Dance Dance Revolution: DDR Extreme 2 for Sony Playstation 2
- "The New York Times"; P.E. Classes Turn to Video Game That Works Legs ; Seth Schiesel; April 30, 2007
- "Pediatrics"; Energy Expenditure of Sedentary Screen Time Compared With Active Screen Time for Children; Lorraine Lanningham-Foster, et al.; December 1, 2006
- CBS News: Video Game That's Good For You; Tatiana Morales ; June 14, 2002
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