Get Fit with Ring Fit Adventure: How does a Novel Active Video Game compare to a Traditional Exercise Protocol?

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of Ring-Fit AdventureTM (RF) on body composition to a sprint interval training plus resistance training protocol (SIT+RT) among the same participants, with two years separating the interventions. Methods: 11 participants completed a 30 session, SIT+RT in early 2019. The same 11 participants also completed a 16 session, RF intervention in early 2021. Body composition was compared between groups from pre-post. Results: No significant interaction found with body fat percentage (BF%), F(1,20)=2.44, p=0.79, η2=0.06. A significant interaction was noted for Bone Mineral Density (BMD) F(1,20)=5.52, p=0.03, η2=0.21 between group. The RF group gained BMD (M=0.03 g/kg2) compared to no change in the SIT+RT group. Conclusion: Despite the longer duration and higher frequency of doses of the SIT+sRT protocol, RF was comparable to SIT+RT.