More good news for parents and children. According to a new study from the University of Oklahoma Health Services Center, published in the American Association of Paediatrics journal Paediatrics, active games can be part of the solution to obese children (that's 32% of american children apparently).

The study found that children got more exercise out of playing Wii Sports Boxing, and DDR on the PS2, than they did walking on a treadmill.

To me this seems fairly obvious to anyone who has tried DDR or Wii Sports Boxing, but it is good to see a reputable institution conducting some research to back it up.

For me, the big difference between something like DDR or Wii Sports is that they are not exercise as such, they are just active things that are fun to do. With children especially, this is very important in helping you stay active. Children don't want to do exercise, but they will happily run and jump around for hours if they are doing something fun. Active gaming can be a great way to get kids moving without struggling to prise them away from the TV or computer, something which is easier said than done. And who know, perhaps playing Wii Sports or other simulated active games will encourage them to play for *real* sports?

More details over at GameSport.com