Opening frontiers in physical education through body interaction video games

Opening frontiers in physical education through body interaction video games

Authors

  • Mateus David Finco Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS
  • Alex Branco Fraga Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5016/4996

Keywords:

Physical Activity. Quality of Life. Health. Physical Education.

Abstract

The industry of video games, one of the most prominent, have also influenced the area of physical education through new digital devices which enable body interaction. The videogame Wii Fit, object of this research, is one of these games which tries to promote the practice of physical activity in an entertaining way. This article presents a study based on virtual ethnography, involving an online content analysis about the perceptions of Wii Fit users about the game. Three virtual communities have been analysed, looking for posts about the perceptions of users regarding the influence of the game in their physical activity practices and healthy eating. The investigation showed that Wii Fit works as an educational tool that is able to influence users for regular physical activities as well as healthier nutrition habits.

Author Biographies

Mateus David Finco, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS

Possui graduação em Licenciatura Plena Em Educação Física pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (2002) e mestrado em Ciências do Movimento Humano pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (2010). Atualmente é professor da Faculdade da Serra Gaúcha. Tem experiência na área de Educação Física, com ênfase em Ensino Superior, atuando principalmente nos seguintes temas: educação física escolar, esportes e educação.

Alex Branco Fraga, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS

Licenciado em Educação Física pelo Instituto Porto Alegre da Igreja Metodista (IPA). Doutor em Educação pela UFRGS. Professor da Escola de Educação Física (ESEF/UFRGS) e do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências do Movimento Humano (PPGCMH/UFRGS). Coordenador da Comissão de Pesquisa da ESEF; editor da Revista Movimento e Tutor do programa PET-Saúde/Saúde da Família (UFRGS/Secretaria Municipal de Saúde Porto Alegre). Tem experiência na área de educação física com ênfase nas seguintes temáticas: biopolítica, cultura da vida ativa, currículo, educação em saúde, políticas de formação e práticas pedagógicas. Autor dos livros Corpo, identidade e bom-mocismo: cotidiano de uma adolescência bem comportada (Autêntica, 2000) e Exercício da informação: governo dos corpos no mercado da vida ativa (Autores Associados, 2006).

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Published

2012-09-17

Issue

V. 18, N. 3 (2012)

Section

Original Articles

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