AUTHOR=Lin Chi-Fang , Lee Po-Fu , Su Yan-Jhu , Lin I-Tung , Kao Hsiao-Fang , Hung Yi-Chuan , Chao Mei-Ling , Ho Chien-Chang 

TITLE=An 8-week exergame-based exercise training program improves cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance performances among primary school children in Taiwan

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pediatrics

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1566838

DOI=10.3389/fped.2025.1566838

ISSN=2296-2360

ABSTRACT=ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to determine the effects of an 8-week exergame-based exercise training program on health-related physical fitness performances among primary school children in Taiwan.Materials and methodsThe study employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, recruiting 68 elementary school children with an average age of 10.76 ± 0.49 years. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 35) and a control group (n = 33). The experimental group completed an 8-week exergame-based exercise training program, performed three times per week. Each session consisted of three one-minute rounds. In contrast, the control group did not undergo any training and continued their usual daily activities. Data collection included demographic surveys, anthropometric assessments, and health-related physical fitness evaluations conducted at baseline (Week 0) and after the intervention (week 8).ResultsAfter the 8-week exergame-based exercise training program, the results indicated that compared to the control group, the experimental group significantly reduced their 800-m run time [β = −21.771, p = 0.005 (enhanced cardiovascular endurance)] and increased their performance in bent-leg sit-ups [β = 4.036, p = 0.021 (muscular strength and endurance)] after adjusting for age, gender, and other health-related physical fitness indicators.ConclusionThis suggests that 8-week exergame-based exercise training program can be a fun exercise alternative for improving cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance performances among primary school children in Taiwan.