An 8-week exergame-based exercise training program improves cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance performances among primary school children in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of an 8-week exergame-based exercise training program on health-related physical fitness performances among primary school children in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, recruiting 68 elementary school children with an average age of 10.76 ± 0.49 years. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group ( = 35) and a control group ( = 33). The experimental group completed an 8-week exergame-based exercise training program, performed three times per week. Each session consisted of three one-minute rounds. In contrast, the control group did not undergo any training and continued their usual daily activities. Data collection included demographic surveys, anthropometric assessments, and health-related physical fitness evaluations conducted at baseline (Week 0) and after the intervention (week 8).

RESULTS

After the 8-week exergame-based exercise training program, the results indicated that compared to the control group, the experimental group significantly reduced their 800-m run time [ = -21.771,  = 0.005 (enhanced cardiovascular endurance)] and increased their performance in bent-leg sit-ups [ = 4.036,  = 0.021 (muscular strength and endurance)] after adjusting for age, gender, and other health-related physical fitness indicators.

CONCLUSION

This suggests that 8-week exergame-based exercise training program can be a fun exercise alternative for improving cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance performances among primary school children in Taiwan.