The study, by the National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Tokyo, showed that the Wii's innovate Wiimote system, which forces users to get off the couch and move around (or at least move around) when using the remote control, may increase energy expenditure as much as moderate intensity exercise. Motohiko Miyachi, head of a physical activity program at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition said, "It's a very easy and fun way to start exercising."
That is in fact, one of the reasons given by many for the popularity of the Nintendo Wii vs. other consoles. The games and activities are fun. However, recent price cuts for other consoles, such as the PS3, have placed the Wii in a vulnerable position.
The study, funded by Nintendo, found that about one-third of the games and activities included in the Wii sports and Wii fit packages require an energy expenditure of 3.0 METs. METs are metabolic equivalent values, a standard method of estimating energy expenditure, researchers said. 3.0 METs or above, are considered to be moderate intensity exercise, according to AHA exercise guidelines.
In terms of the most METs, that was the single-arm stand activity featured in the Wii Fit. That activity produced 5.6 METs. Vigorous activity is defined as 6.0 or greater.
Next highest among games tested was the Wii Sports boxing game. Wii Sports comes with the console, and the boxing game produced an energy expenditure of 4.5 METs. Meanwhile, both the Wii tennis and baseball games, also in the Sports package, produced moderate intensity expenditures of 3.0 METs.
Unfortunately for some, games like Zelda and Mario didn't produce many METs.
Posted November 17th, 2009 by Michael Santo
