Jumping into Exergaming Research

Nov. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Coshott will be going through two days training towards a solo skydive to support and raise money for the exergaming movement. The Exergame Network (TEN) will use the funds collected through this fundraiser to support new generation researchers with their study costs into active gaming and exergaming.

TEN has been long aware that the limitations of exergaming are public knowledge, dissemination and evidence base rather than failings of exergaming equipment or the individuals who deliver the experiences. To address this TEN has collaborated to identify the top research questions, and therefore evidence, required to understand exergaming.

Coshott is hoping that more research will help bring exergaming to the forefront.
“There a is a widening gap between what we know and what we can prove. Research is stuck in Exergaming 101 with energy expenditure studies. The collaboration of academics and deliverers of exergaming within TEN has explored the practice and theory, concluding there isn’t enough quality research that answers the questions that we want answered,” Coshott said.

There are several studies that need to be funded. These studies fall into the following categories: positive behavior effects, gateway effect and comparative enjoyment, health benefits, family health benefits, cognitive and improved social confidence through exergaming.

For these categories, TEN will be providing a package of incentives including cash for research assistants or buy out from classes, exergaming equipment donations and loans, use of exergaming facilities, dissemination opportunities at conferences, publication opportunities and professional and academic expertise.

For more information about exergaming and to get involved with a pledge, visit:http://www.facebook.com/groups/exergaming/ or follow the movement on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExergameNetwork.

To donate to the cause, visit: https://www.fundraise.com/the-exergame-network/active-gamer