Dance Exergaming Achieves Similar Energy Expenditure as Traditional Exercise with Greater Enjoyment Rate

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Health and Human Performance

Date of Award

Summer 8-18-2025

Abstract

Exergaming is a blend of exercise and video gaming that has gained significant popularity in recent years. The purpose of this study was to determine if exergaming with Just Dance can be an alternative to traditional exercise, with regard to energy expenditure (EE), and a higher rate of enjoyment. Sell et al. (2008) indicated that dance exergaming has a positive impact on college students, while Gu et al. (2023) indicated that the energy expenditure of 20 min dance exergaming (104.14 ± 28.87 kcal) compared with 20 min aerobic dance session (106.76 ± 35.63 kcal) are similar, however dance exergaming (3.96 ± 0.65 out of 5, p = 0.04) had a significantly higher enjoyment than aerobic dance sessions (3.61 ± 0.54). There is a gap in the literature regarding the comparison of energy expenditure in dance exergaming, to traditional exercises, among college age students. In this study, 13 participants (Male = 5, Female = 8, 23 ± 3 years old, 167.2 ± 10.4 cm, 71.8 ± 17.7 kg) visited the lab twice, randomly performing 30 min of either a dance exergaming session or a traditional exercise session. Metabolic measurements were collected continuously throughout the exercise sessions, and enjoyment rate was asked after each session. Variables between sessions were analyzed using paired t-test, and a p-value of 0.05 was considered significant. No statistically significant differences were found in EE between dance exergaming (193 ± 58.38kcal) and traditional exercise (229.69 ± 112.50 kcal, p = 0.205). When analyzed separately, dance exergaming showed a higher EE compared to cycling (n = 9, 184.67 ± 79.74kcal, p = 0.305), but lower EE compared to treadmill exercise (n = 4, 331 ± 117.93kcal, p = 0.044). Significant differences were found in enjoyment rate between dance exergaming (4.9 ± 0.4) and traditional exercise (3.4 ± 1.2, p = 0.003). Dance exergaming may be performed as an effective form of daily physical activity, achieving moderate intensity when performed for 30 min. In addition, it could be promoted as enjoyable exercise, for people who demonstrate low participation and adherence.

Advisor

Vipa Bernhardt

Subject Categories

Kinesiology | Life Sciences

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS