The Impact of Exergaming Competitions on Affective and Performance Variables

This study investigated the impact of competitive exergaming on affective and performance variables. Participants (N=26) participated in two separate rowing conditions consisting of a competitive exergame system and a control rowing system. Utilizing a within-subjects design, participants completed two rowing tasks in the competitive grand prix exergaming condition or control condition. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), attention, and feeling were recorded throughout the task. Perceived activity enjoyment (PACES), session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), distance rowed, power output (watts), and strokes per minute were measured following the task. Participants within the competitive exergame system had a greater distance rowed, higher sRPE score, greater power output, and higher strokes per minute than the control condition. Both groups had an increase in heart rate, associative attention, RPE, and feeling across time. This research benefits healthcare providers and practitioners who want to prescribe exercise for patients and clients who are struggling to find enjoyment in exercise and increase performance. Additional research is needed to include a more representative population and conduct a longitudinal study to assess the significance of these results.