Computer games may fight obesity
Updated on 02 February 2009
Blondie drummer Clem Burke is teaming up with British researchers to investigate the potential health benefits of playing drumming-based interactive computer games.
Academics plan to explore what effects popular games such as Guitar Hero World Tour (GHWT) can have on childhood and adult obesity, autism and stroke patients.
Investigations will also centre on whether introducing interactive video games in the workplace could aid stress release and improve productivity among staff.
Next Friday Burke will launch the year-long Clem Burke Drumming Project, which has been set up with the University of Chichester in West Sussex and the University of Gloucestershire.
Dr Marcus Smith, principal lecturer in exercise physiology at the University of Chichester, said they were also interested in monitoring people who progress from playing interactive drumming games to real-life drums.
He said: "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 GHWT on child and adult obesity, autism, stroke patients, disengaged communities and health and mental well-being in the workplace.
"We are very excited about investigating the potential benefits of introducing interactive video games into the workplace. Offices around the UK could be transformed into rock venues, resulting in stress release and fun for staff and increased productivity."
Last year scientists from the two universities found that professional drummers have a heart rate similar to Premiership footballers as they expend large amounts of energy during live performances.
Dr Steve Draper, principal lecturer in exercise physiology at the University of Gloucestershire, said: "Drumming video games are particularly exciting as they may provide an enjoyable and effective means to acquire the complex motor skills required to play on any drum kit."
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