Exergaming in a Multiplayer and Inter-Team Competition Mode with Play Lü: Effects on Adolescents’ Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Situational Interest

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of a Play Lü inter-team competition exergame on adolescents’ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and situational interest (SI). Materials and Methods: A total of 110 students (Mage = 13.7 ± 1.1, 12-16 years, 53.7 % girls, MBMI = 19.9 ± 3.2) from a secondary school located in Switzerland participated to the study. They played three separate 20-min games in a counterbalance allocated order: (1) Play Lü multiplayer and inter-team competition exergame; (2) Play Lü single-player competition exergame; and (3) Tic-Tac-Toe multiplayer and inter-team competition game. The participants’ MVPA was measured during each 20-min game using ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers and SI was measured immediately after each game. Results: Regarding Play Lü, the results showed higher MVPA and SI scores in the multiplayer and inter- team competition mode than in the single-player competition mode. Moreover, Play Lü elicited greater effects compared to the Tic-Tac-Toe game within a multiplayer and inter-team competition mode. Conclusion: The Play Lü inter-team competition exergame might be considered as a relevant strategy to improve adolescents’ motivation and physical activity, which can be applied in a physical education context.