Games For Health 2008. Gateway eGAMES by Stephen Yang – SUNY Cortland. Using exergames/eGAMES (video games that require physical movement in order to play) to achieve healthy benefits is a relatively new phenomenon. Determining the extent of the physiological, psychological, social, and cognitive benefits remains to be determined. I propose that exergames by themselves cannot be a viable solution for the overweight and sedentary populations. Rather, perhaps playing eGAMES (Electronic Gaming Activities for Movement Enjoyment) can be a stimulus and confidence booster to participate in different physical activities and sports. To be a successful Gateway Game, eGAMES must be a) fun, b) competence building, c) socially engaging, and d) autonomy granting.

1. Gateway GAMEs Stephen P. Yang Assistant Professor SUNY Cortland [email_address] Exergamelab Using video games to encourage lifetime physical activity

2. Youth Obesity Percent of overweight youth ages 6-19 (Hedley, 2004; Ogden, 2002)

4. GAME #1 - Mean HR (45 mins)

5. DDR Enjoyable?

6. Different MVPA for Exergames? VS.

7. GAME #2 - DDR HR

8. DDR HR and % MVPA

9. %MVPA DDR vs. EyeToy 80.84% 53.45%

10. HR DDR vs. EyeToy

13. www.innovateonline.info

16. MS StepUI

18. Gateway GAMEs Using video games to encourage lifetime physical activity Stephen P. Yang Assistant Professor SUNY Cortland [email_address] Exergamelab