[Printer Friendly Version]   [How to E-mail This Article to A Friend]

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2: New Use For Video Games

Middles schools across the state of West Virginia are using the video game “Dance Dance Revolution” as a form of exercise for students. The state has one of the worst obesity problems in the U.S., so school officials began the project last spring in 20 schools as a way to increase physical activity. The state aims to expand the program to all 753 public schools within the next three years.

The “Dance Dance Revolution” game consists of players moving their feet on a special mat with arrows that correspond to symbols on a TV screen. The players have to step on the symbols at the right time. The video game will be offered in physical education classes as an alternative for students who do not like other sport games.

According to the state Bureau of Public Health, West Virginia is among one of the top three most obese states. A third of the residents are considered obese and almost 50 percent of fifth-graders are considered obese or overweight, which can lead to problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In fact, of all states, West Virginia is ranked first for high blood pressure and fourth for diabetes. "If we can get children to change their behavior at a young age they hopefully will grow up to be healthy, active adults, which would have a positive effect on health care costs," Carl Callison with Mountain State Blue Cross told the Associated Press.

The new school project will begin with 64,880 middle school students and eventually expand into high schools. Funding for the program, which is expected to cost $500,000, will be provided by companies such as Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield and game manufacturer Konami Digital Entertainment. Each middle school will receive a game console, two dance pads, and software.

--Written by Renee Clara

Write your own story telling us what you think about this article!

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 1: Earthshine