Abstract

FINCO, Mateus David  and  FRAGA, Alex Branco. Opening frontiers in physical education through body interaction video games. Motriz: rev. educ. fis. [online]. 2012, vol.18, n.3, pp. 533-541. ISSN 1980-6574.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1980-65742012000300014.

The industry of video games, one of the most prominent, has 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 analyzed, 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.

Keywords : Physical activity; Quality of life; Health; Physical Education.