Can a Video Game Make Your Kids More Fit?

Exclusive American Council on Exercise Research Proves Dance Dance
Revolution Can Be a Tremendous Workout

Based on the growing popularity of video games that eliminate conventional hand controllers in favor of more full-body interaction, the American Council on Exercise put Dance Dance Revolution to the test.

The ACE commissioned research out of the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, focused on quantifying DDR's potential physical benefits. Looking at the caloric expenditure data of 24 volunteers, researchers determined that it is comparable to many other aerobic activities and could result in significant weight loss if used regularly.

Led by John Porcari, Ph.D., FACSM and Anna Norlin, M.S., male and female subjects, ages 12 - 25 years old were recruited for the study. Half the volunteers were under the age of 18 and enlisted from the local La Crosse Boys & Girls Club.

Based on the physiological responses to three levels of DDR, all subjects showed a marked increase in exercise intensity as they participated. Adult participants burned more calories, which can be attributed to differences in body weight since the adults averaged about 25 pounds heavier than teenage subjects. On average, teens burned 5.9 kcal/min on light mode, 6.7 kcal/min on standard mode and 8.1 kcal/min of difficult
mode.

Fewer parents approve of internet

A smaller amount of parents consider the internet a good influence in their children's lives than previously, new research has discovered.

Currently 59 percent of American parents with children aged 12 to 17 approve of the internet, contrasted to 2004 when 67 percent did, the Pew Internet and American Life Project found. And 30 percent of the parents surveyed thought that the internet did not have an influence at all on their children's lives.

Amanda Lenhart, senior research specialist at Pew, said: "The internet for a lot of parents is now a mature technology. "They are not in a honeymoon period with the internet anymore. They are realizing the internet is something with good and bad things." It is the content being perused by children rather than the amount of time they spend online that has parents the most concerned, the research found.

Meanwhile, Miss America, Lauren Nelson, is touring the US lecturing to children about how to stay safe online. For more information on digital products and services visit www.dsldance.com