Frequency and factors associated with sustained exergaming in adolescents (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Exergaming is increasing in popularity, but little is known about sustained exergaming. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to describe the frequency and correlates/predictors of sustained exergaming. METHODS Data were available in AdoQuest (2005-11), a longitudinal investigation of 1843 grade 5 students in in Montréal, Canada. This analysis uses data from grade 9 and 11. Participants at T1 (mean age 14 (0.8) years) who reported past-week exergaming (n = 186), completed mailed self-report questionnaires at T2 (mean age 16 (0.8) years). Independent correlates (from T2)/predictors (from T1 or earlier) were identified using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of 186 exergamers at T1, 81 (44%) reported exergaming at T2. Being female and having higher introjected regulation (i.e., a type of PA motivation indicative of internalization of PA as a behaviour) were independent correlates.. None of the predictors investigated were associated with sustained exergaming. CONCLUSIONS Almost 50% of grade 9 exergamers sustained for 2-3 years. In non-clinical settings, exergaming may be a viable approach to help adolescents maintain PA during adolescence, a period in the life course when PA generally declines. Sex and PA motivation should be considered in the design of exergaming interventions. CLINICALTRIAL N\A