Families to get Wiis to beat obesity
A project by Nottingham Trent University scientists shows that playing Nintendo Wii sports games may help children to reach the recommended levels of physical activity. The research has been funded by the Department of Health.
Dr Chris Bussell, academic team leader for Sport Science at the university, said: "The hope is that the children will be seen to make improvements in their self-confidence, which will in turn increase the likelihood that they will take part in other healthy physical activity outside of the home."
Sports Science research students are studying the health benefits of the Nintendo Wii Fit, before examining the effects of introducing the consoles to families.
New guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) recommend that initiatives promoting physical activity should involve the whole family.
The team will be working with families from Nottingham's Go4it group – an NHS initiative working to educate children on how to control their weight.
Nottingham Trent University are researching the links between the game and confidence
Comment on this story