Compared to watching TV, the calories burned while gaming or walking increased two to three-fold. Similarly, high rates of energy expenditure, heart rate and perceived exertion were elicited from playing Wii boxing, Dance Dance Revolution Level 2 or walking at 3.5 mph.

Overall, the energy expenditure during active video game play was comparable to

moderate-intensity walking, said an OU release.

The findings appear this week in Paediatrics.