Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Mar 26, 2025
Date Accepted: Jun 2, 2025
The Role of Active Video Games in Blood Pressure Management among Children and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
The significant association between blood pressure in juvenile and young adulthood and risks of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood highlights the critical need for early blood pressure control. While lifestyle modifications like increased physical exercise have proven effective, traditional exercise forms always suffer from low motivation and adherence. Active video games, combining exercise with engaging gameplay, may present a promising alternative for managing blood pressure in young people.
Objective:
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of active video games in managing blood pressure among young people aged 6 to 25.
Methods:
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline, this study retrieved and screened publications archived in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases up to December 30, 2024. Random-effects and fixed-effects models were used to pool effect sizes from eligible trials. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and Egger's tests were conducted to discuss heterogeneity, robustness, and publication bias, respectively.
Results:
A total of 17 trials from 16 studies involving 503 normotensive participants were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that active video games significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SMD = -0.37, P < .001) and increased diastolic blood pressure (SMD = 0.15, P = .049) in young people, particularly in overweight or obese minors under 18.
Conclusions:
These findings shed light on the cardiovascular benefits of active video games, underscoring their potential to improve vascular elasticity while maintaining organ perfusion. Clinical Trial: PROSPERO CRD42025639976; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025639976
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