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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(5): 1179-1186, 2019. Approximately 51% of American adults do not meet weekly physical activity (PA) recommendations. Pokémon Go (PoGo) popularity and its required PA participation shows potential for improved daily PA. The primary aim of this study was to objectively measure daily energy expenditure (DEE) of PoGo players and identify whether DEE differs from non-players. A secondary aim was to assess potential motivational factors to play PoGo. Local Middle Tennessee participants (n= 25) were identified as "players" or "non-players" based on current PoGo usage from August till November 2016. Participants donned a SenseWear Armband (SWA) for 7 days. SWA data were included in the analysis if wear time was ≥ 4 days with each day having ≥ 12 hours of wear time. Mean DEE differences between players and non-players were examined using a one-way between groups ANCOVA. Body weight was included in the ANCOVA as a potential extraneous variable. Five participants were excluded from analysis due to < 4 days SWA wear time (players = 9, non-players = 11). We found DEE was not significantly different for players (2735 ± 666 kcal) versus non-players (2274 ± 474 kcal), when controlling for body weight [F (1, 20) = 2,195, η = 0.114, p= 0.157]. In conclusion, interactive mobile games (i.e. PoGo) may be an effective method to increase DEE in individuals interested in mobile gaming.

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