Children's physical activity levels and psychological correlates in interactive dance versus aerobic dance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare children's physical activity (PA) levels, self-efficacy, and enjoyment when experiencing dance-exergaming (Dance Dance Revolution, DDR) and aerobic dance in physical education. A total of 53 urban fourth grade children were divided into two groups, with one group playing DDR and the other group engaged in aerobic dance. After 15 min, the groups switched activities and continued their respective activities for another 15 min. Participants wore NL-1000 pedometers in four consecutive sessions, and responded to a questionnaire measuring their self-efficacy and enjoyment toward two dance activities at the end of the first session. Children spent more moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) time (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.49) in aerobic dance than DDR. Additionally, children reported significantly higher self-efficacy (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.28) and enjoyment (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.18) in DDR than in aerobic dance. Health care professionals and educators may not replace the traditional PAs and sports with interactive video games, but may use exergaming as an excellent addition to promote PA.