lajoggeuse, interesting points there I didn't even consider. I could definitely add this in my results section.

Cynique, I agree in hindsight, I should've upped the scale, another point I will definitely include. My course entails a wide overview of how the gaming industry works. From the game theory side to programming in Java, C++, J2ME to mathematics and physics. Quite an enjoyable course!

Mtbone, good point there, this will be useful for making future questionnaires! I understand that this forum is quite pro-Wii Fit, however I have also asked on other forums, who might not share the same opinion. This questionnaire will be used to backup findings obtained from a 4 week experiment as well as interviews with the test subjects.

Thanks,

La Chavvy

Had to ask, I'm a Social Worker (learning disabled) who DREADED the research project I had to do for my masters. What are you working toward?

The aim of this project is to compare the physical health benefits from the Nintendo Wii Fit and compare it to traditional exercise methods.

Personally, I can't see if ever replacing physical exercise, but with schools in America using such games to replace PE it makes you wonder, what if the next generation of children only know exercise through exergames? Based on this I'm comparing the physical benefits and seeing how the Wii Fit could be used in conjunction with other exercise.

Fascinating. I recall first hearing about games used to replace PE in schools when I saw the Film Supersize me. While I am not against using games for physical exercise, I did wonder about some of the aspects of the regime described by the school in the film. For instance, children's results were never compared to other children's but only to themselves. It was simply an 'how much have you improved' test. The element of competition had been taken out of exercise.

From this forum you can see that people who like Wii Fit still like a bit of friendly competition, hence the stats sheet. Competition can really help to keep one motivated.

I wondered at the time whether the children in that school looked at in the film would come to see exercise as just a solitary pursuit. I also wondered whether they would come to see it as something that required computers, gym equipment, etc. Great for a consumerist society, perhaps, but not so keeping children fit as they turn into adults. Perhaps they will think that they can't exercise if they don't have gym equipment or a Wii. Perhaps they will find a brisk walk too boring after the stimulation they receive from exercising with a computer. I don't know, but it is something I have wondered about.

I would be very interested in reading your dissertation when you have finished with it. At the very least, it would be wonderful to hear about your conclusions.

I'll be happy to email or post it on a website when I'm done if I remember!

Posting results would be great, interesting points raised about games replacing PE, I hadn't heard that, scary thought that.