The Relationship Between Gameplay and Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Adult Video Game Players

Video games are a popular yet sedentary activity, with adult players averaging 27 hr weekly. Limited research has examined how play time relates to physical activity or differs by player skill level. This study examined the associations between weekly video game play and leisure-time physical activity and compared behaviors across player levels. A total of 221 participants (lower level = 195, higher level = 26) completed an online survey evaluating video game play, physical activity, demographics, and health history. Weekly leisure-time physical activity was negatively correlated with weekly video game play time (ρ = −.17, p = .01). Those with the least weekly video game play time are more likely to engage in higher levels of physical activity compared with those with the most. Leisure and amateur players combined had lower odds of being in a higher leisure-time physical activity quartile in comparison with the combination of semiprofessional and professional players. Leisure players reported less playtime than amateur players and semiprofessional and professional players combined, while amateurs spent less time in leisure-time physical activity. Further research using objective measures and more nuanced player classifications may better inform health behavior outcomes and targeted interventions, as well as update sedentary behavior guidelines.