Let’S Dance! Preliminary Meta-analysis On Energy Expenditure During Dance Exergames

Dancing exergames, integrating physical activity and video games, offer an engaging exercise experience. While prior studies explored their potential to promote physical activity among the different groups of individuals, a comprehensive analysis of energy expenditure during gameplay is lacking. PURPOSE: To synthesize the existing literature on energy expenditure during dance exergames using meta-analysis. METHODS: Four databases (MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Ultimate, and CINAHL) were searched for relevant literature on dance exergames using keywords representing dance exergames and energy expenditure. Inclusion criteria were studies that included the use of dance exergames, measured energy expenditure, and included a pre- and post-test study design. A total of 1734 articles were identified through the systematic search and 15 articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The sample size of the included studies ranged from seven to 253 with nine studies focused on adults and six on children. Different dance exergames, such as Dance Dance Revolution and Just Dance, were included in the analysis. Under the fixed effect model, it was found that playing dance exergames leads to an increase in energy expenditure (standard difference in mean = 0.30, p < .01; Hedge's g = 0.30, p < .01, k = 15). Moderator analysis showed that age and playing multiple exergames had no effect on the relationship between energy expenditure and playing dance exergames. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with previous studies, playing dance exergames leads to an increase in energy expenditure. children and adults are appropriate for using exergames for increased PA participation and improved energy expenditure.