ENERGY EXPENDITURE THE VIDEO GAME ACTIVE MAY BE SUFFICIENT AS EXERCISE FOR THE TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION: PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: The active video game (AVG) is an evolution of traditional video game (AVG) and its proposal to increase the physical activity level of the users of this form of entertainment. This physical demand could confer benefits similar to traditional exercise for hypertension, but the energy expenditure (EE) this game is not well established in this population. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of a AVG session to promote clinically significant increases EE in hypertensive. Material and Methods: The study included five hypertensive volunteers (55.6 ± 2.9 years) who underwent two sessions randomized, crossover (AVG and AVG) lasting 40 minutes on separate days. EE was measured by a gas exchange analyzer (K4b², Cosmed) and cardiovascular demand was measured by the heart rate (HR) through a heart rate monitor coupled to the gas analyzer. The student t test were performed unpaired and one way ANOVA with post test of Tukey. Results: The average intensity reached 21.9% of maximal heart rate in AVG session, statistically greater (p <0.01) than in AVG session, where it reached to 2.6% of maximum HR. Likewise, EE values for the AVG session (3.6 ± 0.3 kcal / min) were significantly higher than for SVG session (1.5 ± 0.1 kcal / min, p <0.0001). Conclusion: In conclusion, a AVG session is able to promote significant increase in the EE and HR. The HR is lower than that recommended for antihypertensive treatment, but EE is within limits considered ideal. DESCRIPTORS Exercise. Energy Metabolism. Hypertension.