Emery J Max1, Stephen Samendinger1, Brian Winn2, Norbert L Kerr3, Karin A Pfeiffer1, Deborah L Feltz1. 1. 1 Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan. 2. 2 Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan. 3. 3 Department of Psychology, Michigan State University , East Lansing, Michigan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Research on active videogames (AVGs) has demonstrated the motivation-boosting power of the Köhler effect (a motivating force for "weak links" in groups based on group principles of upward social comparison and indispensability) with software-generated partners (SGPs), but the effect has yet to be examined over time. We tested the viability of the Köhler effect in an AVG with an SGP over 12 exercise sessions using a cycle ergometer and whether a fatiguing partner (FP) could further boost the effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A repeated-measures design was used to assess mean changes in exercise persistence over time. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three game conditions: AVG alone (individual-control [IC]), AVG with a consistently superior partner (CSP), or AVG with a superior partner who showed signs of fatigue (FP). Assessments were conducted on 82 participants (42 college students and 40 adults from the community) in a laboratory over 12 experimental sessions. The main outcome measure was exercise persistence (minutes of gameplay cycling at 75% HRmax). RESULTS: Data yielded significant improvements in exercise duration for men in the FP condition when compared with men in the IC condition (Mdiff = 12:32 minutes, SEdiff = 4:54). Women showed no change in exercise persistence over time and no condition differences. CONCLUSION: Exercising in an AVG with a superior SGP, who shows signs of fatigue over time, improved exercise persistence for men but not for women under present experimental conditions.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: Research on active videogames (AVGs) has demonstrated the motivation-boosting power of the Köhler effect (a motivating force for "weak links" in groups based on group principles of upward social comparison and indispensability) with software-generated partners (SGPs), but the effect has yet to be examined over time. We tested the viability of the Köhler effect in an AVG with an SGP over 12 exercise sessions using a cycle ergometer and whether a fatiguing partner (FP) could further boost the effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A repeated-measures design was used to assess mean changes in exercise persistence over time. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three game conditions: AVG alone (individual-control [IC]), AVG with a consistently superior partner (CSP), or AVG with a superior partner who showed signs of fatigue (FP). Assessments were conducted on 82 participants (42 college students and 40 adults from the community) in a laboratory over 12 experimental sessions. The main outcome measure was exercise persistence (minutes of gameplay cycling at 75% HRmax). RESULTS: Data yielded significant improvements in exercise duration for men in the FP condition when compared with men in the IC condition (Mdiff = 12:32 minutes, SEdiff = 4:54). Women showed no change in exercise persistence over time and no condition differences. CONCLUSION: Exercising in an AVG with a superior SGP, who shows signs of fatigue over time, improved exercise persistence for men but not for women under present experimental conditions.
Authors: Richard P Troiano; David Berrigan; Kevin W Dodd; Louise C Mâsse; Timothy Tilert; Margaret McDowell Journal: Med Sci Sports Exerc Date: 2008-01 Impact factor: 5.411
Authors: Deborah L Feltz; Lori Ploutz-Snyder; Brian Winn; Norbert L Kerr; James M Pivarnik; Alison Ede; Christopher Hill; Stephen Samendinger; William Jeffery Journal: BMC Psychol Date: 2016-11-14
Authors: Stephen Samendinger; Christopher R Hill; Norbert L Kerr; Brian Winn; Alison Ede; James M Pivarnik; Lori Ploutz-Snyder; Deborah L Feltz Journal: J Sport Health Sci Date: 2018-08-23 Impact factor: 7.179