Can a video game get you fit? Actually, yes it can…

A new international study has revealed that video games which get players moving can help patients suffering from heart conditions improve their physical health and quality of life.

These are the initial findings of the HF-Wii study, which analysed 605 patients affected by heart failure from six different countries, evaluating the potential positive effect of active video games on physical health.

The participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups, one control group and one video game group, the latter given a Nintendo Wii console and instructed to play for 30 minutes every day.

After 3 months, the video game group were able to walk 33 metres (100ft) further than the others. “The patients also expressed feeling more socially integrated. They often played with friends, partners or grandchildren”, added Professor Jaarsma, the study supervisor.