| Sumario: | This exploratory study sought to determine the effectiveness of using active video games, also known as exergames, to promote physical activity in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and whether participants had difference in heart rate response and personal preferences for Nintendo's Wii™ Sports versus Sony Play Station's Dance Dance Revolution® (DDR®). Using a cross-over design, subjects (n=23) participated in two 45-minute sessions that incorporated both DDR® and Wii™ Sports. While both exergames resulted in increased heart rate (HR), DDR® game play proved to be statistically more effective in elevating HR than Wii™ game play (p=0.006). A preference for Wii™ Sports was reported. Findings indicate that these particular exergames appear to be a feasible, effective, and enjoyable option for increasing physical activity levels in this population and is deserving of continued investigation.
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