Active video games: the mediating effect of aerobic fitness on body composition

To identify mediators of the effect of an active video games intervention on body composition.Data from a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial of an active video game intervention (n？=？322) were analyzed. The primary outcome was change from baseline in BMI. A priori secondary outcomes were considered as potential mediators of the intervention on BMI, including aerobic fitness (VO2Max), time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and food snacking at 24 weeks.Only aerobic fitness at 24 weeks met the conditions for mediation, and was a significant mediator of BMI.Playing active video games can have a positive effect on body composition in overweight or obese children and this effect is most likely mediated through improved aerobic fitness. Future trials should examine other potential mediators related to this type of intervention.Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials RegistryWebsite: http://www.anzctr.org.au webciteStudy ID number: ACTRN12607000632493