From gamedaily.com:

Universities of Chichester and Gloucestershire today announced a partnership with Blondie drummer Clem Burke. This unique collaboration will look into the benefits, both mental and physical, of playing drums in games like Guitar Hero World Tour. Working with Activision, the study will look at the effect drumming games can have on obesity, autism and stroke patients in addition to seeing whether interactive video games can aid stress release and improve productivity in the workplace.

"We are interested in finding out how interactive video games, such as Guitar Hero World Tour , can improve the health and mental well-being of people," said Dr. Marcus Smith, Principal Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, at the University of Chichester. "Despite a global recession, sales of interactive video games remain high. As researchers we are interested in understanding why such games are so appealing and how they may be used to investigate specific research questions. We are particularly interested in examining the effects of playing Guitar Hero World Tour on child and adult obesity, autism, stroke patients, disengaged communities, and health and mental well-being in the workplace."

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From canada.com:

In the fight against childhood obesity, grim statistics continue to be reported.

One in four children in the U.S. spend at least three hours a day sitting in front of the computer surfing the net but not doing school work – up from 22 per cent in 2003.

Yet as an international conference being held in Montreal this week shows, the news isn’t all bleak. In fact, one of the evils that’s been blamed for contributing toward obesity in children – video games – is now being used to promote physical activity.
Exergaming is a ‘wholesome’ activity that is free of the violence that plagues so many of today’s video games, argues Linda Carson, a professor of physical education at West Virginia University.

It’s called exergaming, video games that spur children (as well as their parents) to use all their limbs rather than only their thumbs.

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From physorg.com:

Millions of people around the world jump around their living room as they wrestle with the controls of a Wii Fit. But can playing a simulated sport on the computer actually be GOOD for your health?

Sports science experts at the University of Derby are embarking on research to see if such video games could help tackle obesity.

Dr Michael Duncan, a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the University, is appealing for primary schools in the region to take part in the study.

And he has been awarded £5,000 funding from the TANITA Healthy Weight Community Trust to carry out the work.

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From prweb.com:

“Building upon the success of gaming and virtual worlds websites, Wisenhimer teaches kids to make healthy choices about eating well, staying active, and building life skills such as integrity, generosity, and manners. Wisenhimer’s Eat, Play, and Live curriculum is customized for each user and wrapped in entertainment: world-class graphics, unique games, original music, and playful interactions that get children up and moving.”

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