Abstract
BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity and obesity, which are disproportionately higher in Black women, are known risk factors of breast cancer. Novel methods to address this public health concern involve leveraging screen-viewing activities to reduce sedentary behavior and increase energy expenditure levels. Exergaming has demonstrated efficacy in increasing physical activity levels, yet no studies have examined exergaming in overweight/obese Black women. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of exergaming on anthropometric markers among overweight/obese Black women. METHODS: This study was a 2-arm, 6-month randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of exergaming in improving obesity-related anthropometric markers among overweight and obese Black women (n = 100). Participants randomized to the exergaming condition (n = 50) engaged in supervised exergaming activities (i.e., Nintendo Wii Fit/X-box Kinect for 3 days/week; 60-min), while the control group (n = 50) maintained current physical activity levels. Assessments on anthropometric variables, physical activity, medical history and sociodemographic variables were completed at baseline, 3-, and 6-months. Two-sample t-tests were used to examine group differences in outcome variables at 6 months. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences observed in waist circumference (108.7(14.6) cm vs 107.2(14.8) cm), fat mass (44.3(12.8) kg vs 46.1(12.5) kg) or lean mass (47.0(6.9) kg vs 48.2(4.7) kg) at 6-months. CONCLUSIONS: Exergaming did not demonstrate efficacy in improving obesity-related anthropometric markers in overweight/obese Black women. Exergaming is not a viable exercise for obese women. Future studies should consider pairing exergaming with traditional exercises (i.e., variety support) and exploring other factors related to energy expenditure (e.g., motivation, enjoyment).