Effectiveness of virtual reality and aerobic exercises in obese children. A Mini-Review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Therapy, General Dar-Elslaam Hospital, Cairo, Egypt

2 Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorders and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University

3 Department of Pediatrics, National Institute of Nutrition

10.21608/iptccu.2024.456701

Abstract

Obesity, particularly in childhood, is considered a great problem around the world, especially in developed countries. This phenomenon should attract the attention of investigators to search for the actual causes of problem exaggeration and to find strategies to stop its prevalence. The nature and style of modern life and the distribution of fast meals rich in fats and oils are considered responsible factors leading to obesity in young adolescents. Active video games (AVG) can even be considered as a prospective alternative to traditional exercise for enhancing health status during childhood. Over the last decade, virtual reality (VR) exercises have gained much interest in the field of rehabilitation therapy. Several health benefits and favorable clinical outcomes have been reported in different populations following VR-based exercise programs. VR can be a very helpful tool for the treatment of childhood obesity and it can play a unique role in the rehabilitation of obese children based on body composition and quality of life effects reported in several studies. VR is considered a pleasure tool to overcome both overweight and sedentariness in infants. Recently, a team of multi-interested researchers, including physiotherapists, psychologists, engineers, and pediatricians, has worked to judge this advanced technology. But, whether VR exercises have advantages that could be superior to traditional exercise has been a question raised by several researchers. In this context, we will briefly discuss selected biological effects of VR games and aerobic exercises in obese children.
 

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