As we have pointed out, video games are not a substitute for good-old exercise. However, according to a CNN report, the light intensity is ideal for older adults, particularly with systems that require full-body movements. These movement-based games are also great for those who never engage in any form of exercise. As we have reported in the past, institutions such as schools in Alabama and Iowa are using the Wii as part of their physical education curriculum to get kids active and help fight childhood obesity.

[Via The Huffington Post: More Post 50s Use Video Games To Exercise]

The Olympic champion says that incorporating technology in P.E. classes would get kids more excited about fitness and exercise, and the Shawn Johnson Fitness for Life Act – if passed – would provide grants to 10 universities to incorporate more technology into their respective master’s degree programs for physical education, and those schools would in turn partner with local school districts to develop fitness technology programs.

“You see how much they enjoy being on a Gameboy or being in front of a computer screen, and if you can incorporate that into exercise and physical activity, hopefully it will spark their interest enough to take that next step to leading a healthier lifestyle,” Johnson said during a conference call last week arranged by Braley’s office.

Johnson should also know that kids do like their video games, as she was the “star” of Shawn Johnson Gymnastics, which was published by Zoo Games for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS in 2008.

(Click image for a closer view)

Take a very good look at the picture above. On the left is Impulse Technology’s Trazer Interactive Fitness machine, while the one on the right is the Nintendo Wii in action. Do they look the same, because Impulse Technology has filed a lawsuit against Nintendo – along with several third-party game development studios, for violating a 1996 patent for an “interactive system for measuring physiological exertion.” According to Joystiq.com the suit is reportedly based on the “weight-tracking Wii Balance board (and the games which use it).”

Impulse Technology has claimed that the Wii too closely resembles the Trazer Interactive Fitness machine. Now what is curious is that the Wii was launched in 2005 and the Wii Balance Board came out in 2007, so why the delay until late 2011? Could it be that Impulse filed a similar suit against Microsoft over the Kinect this past July and is just covering all bases?

[Via Joystiq: Impulse Technology suing Nintendo for patent infringement]

The Need for Speed The Run and adidas promotion will be celebrated at three of the country’s and game’s most iconic locations: Chicago, San Francisco and New York where consumers will get exclusive access to the limited edition Need for Speed The Run shoe and video game.

“When we heard about Need for Speed The Run, we felt like it was a great fit with our brand and our core consumer, as Need for Speed shares our same vision of striving to be the leading lifestyle brand in their respective industry,” says Simon Atkins, head of Sport Style Division at adidas North America.

The Need for Speed The Run and adidas Originals promotional events kick-off on October 12 in Chicago. 50 pairs of the limited edition Need for Speed The Run Top X shoe will go on sale October 10 at the adidas Originals Chicago store. The first ten consumers to purchase a pair will get a ticket to the exclusive kick-off event at the store on October 12. Headlined by DJ Neil Armstrong and Kids These Days, guests will also be able to get an early taste of Need for Speed The Run, playing as Jack Rourke in the race to be first to New York, equipped with the classic adidas Superstars.

The next event will be in San Francisco on October 27 at the adidas San Francisco store. An additional 50 pairs of the limited edition shoe will go on sale October 22 at the store. The first 20 consumers to purchase a pair will get a ticket to the exclusive event at the store on October 27 headlined by Mick Boogie. It all culminates in New York on November 15 to celebrate the game’s launch.

While Need for Speed The Run isn’t actually a workout type of game, this type of promotion could hopefully get some gamers to think differently about being active this fall.

Electronic Arts: Need for Speed Official Website

Fitness is now heading to a new dimension as Traq3D has announced the launch of the next generation TRAZER system, which utilizes the Panasonic Electric Works’ 3D Image Sensing Camera, D-IMager, as the preferred 3D motion detection device for this new product. TRAZER is an innovative interactive exercise technology that was featured on according to the company measures the previously immeasurable fundamental components of movement. It provides the power to detect movement asymmetries and weaknesses to guide rehabilitation, performance enhancement and injury prevention programs.

While this has the appearance of the technology used in current video games, such as the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft’s Kinect for the Xbox360 or the PlayStation Move, it is really a lot more says the technology’s innovator.

“TRAZER measures the previously immeasurable fundamental components of movement. It provides the power to detect movement asymmetries and weaknesses to guide rehabilitation, performance enhancement and injury prevention programs,” says TRAZER’s inventor Barry J. French. “Conventional fitness machines, such as treadmills, bikes and ellipticals, only exercise the muscle groups that propel us forward. By contrast, TRAZER also exercises the muscle groups that propel us backward, side-to-side, up and down, and that allow us to twist and turn and stop and start. All while engaging the mind as well as the body.”

Preceding the inclusion of D-IMager, the user had to wear a sensor on their body to control the onscreen action. Panasonic’s technology eliminates the body-worn marker affording the user unrestricted movement. TRAZER captures all movements including turning, bending and twisting — and the D-IMager allows the user’s entire body to interact in the activity.

“Physical rehabilitation, sports training and fitness are ideal applications for the D-IMager,” said Tom Monczka, Product Manager for Panasonic Electric Works USA. “Accurate pixel-by-pixel image information enables full body motion tracking for precise feedback on the user’s progress. Reliability is ensured with strong ambient lighting resistance and a 10 year continuous usage life expectancy.

According to the company TRAZER has the promise to offer entertaining and effective programs for Fitness and Weight Management, Senior Health and Fall Prevention, Sports Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention. And for the healthcare provider, TRAZER’s role will be to enhance preventative, rehabilitative and performance building programs and services that maximize each patient’s functionality and promote the well-being of every family member.

Traq 3D Fitness Official Website

Never mind all that. Public school officials in Alabama still see the Wii Fit system as a way to combat childhood obesity in the state. The “Wee Can Fight Obesity” program uses the Wii Fit Plus Bundle and EA Sports Active games as a form of exercise three days a week during phys-ed class for third graders. The one-year program is rolled out to 30 schools, and was in 30 different schools the previous year; the goal is to expand the program to every elementary school.

The program puts a different spin on what is exercising. The kids don’t view it as torture in school, but as playing. Children are exercising and shedding pounds without ever thinking of it as physical activity. While the Wii Fit will never offer the benefits of true exercising or activity, it does give kids a positive spin on the dreaded P.E. class. Importantly, the Alabama program recognizes the threat childhood obesity poses and is doing what it can to address the issue.

[Via The Birmingham News: ALABAMA PUBLIC SCHOOL TURNS TO WII TO HELP FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY]

The latest trend in video game fitness seems to revolve around strutting your stuff on the dance floor – or basically in front of your TV. This week sees the release of Dance! It’s Your Stage from dtp young entertainment for the Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii and PC. It’s your Stage features 20 brand new tracks, recorded exclusively for the game, each with dynamic and exciting choreography from world renowned professional dance guru ‘Detlef D! Soost’.

Everybody dance now with this game, which offers full support for the PlayStation Move, Wii Balance Board and PC via the Xbox 360 controller and dance mat. The game takes place across 8 detailed locations (all of which are expandable through unlockable content) where you can select from a choice of 6 avatars with over 300 unique styling options. With Dance! It’s Your Stage you won’t be dancing with any stars, but at least you’ll be off the couch!

Dance! It’s Your Stage Official Website

The gadget has the ability to measure every step, and let’s players hit personal goals, compete with friends and even make donations for walkathons and other activities. The folks behind the gizmo see this as part of the so-called “gamify” health and fitness movement, with the goal of making non-game activities more game-like by providing rewards for regular activities. These could include challenges such as taking a number of steps in a certain amount of time, or walk the number of stairs that are in the Eiffel Tower or the length of the Golden Gate Bridge.

New goals and activities will reportedly be uploadable to the device, and Striiv should be in gamer’s pockets later this year. While these challenges and goals around walking could wear thing, especially as gamers tend to be quick to move onto the next thing, it still looks like the company could be striiv’ing to make a step in the right direction.

Video after the jump

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnd3PR7dLoo

Striiv Official Website
[Via GamesBeat: Striiv to launch portable device make fitness more fun]

The Wii U is built around a new tablet-esque controller that allows for users to switch gameplay from the TV screen to the tablet’s 6.2-inch touchscreen.

“It is infinitely complex, but simple at the same time,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo America. “You want what you always wanted, but you wanted something new. You want comfortable and you want surprise. Contradictions, no problem? They come with the territory.”

The Wii U can be used as a controller or as a gaming device, offering both motion control while also having the promise to work with the current Wii-mote. We’ll be very interested in seeing how this could be utilized with Nintendo’s fitness related titles.

We’re also hearing that Majesco’s E3 lineup will include:

Hulk Hogan’s Main Event (Kinect for Xbox 360): It’s all about the show in the first motion-based wrestling game on Kinect for Xbox 360 that lets players train with mentor Hulk Hogan as they build their own wrestling personalities and learn the art of showmanship to win over the crowd.

Take Shape (Kinect for Xbox 360): Turn game night into a hilarious interactive party with the fast-paced Take Shape for Kinect! Twist, stretch and shrink your body into hundreds of different shapes, animals and symbols. “Shape yourself” solo to beat the fastest time or team up in multiplayer mode to unite your on-screen silhouettes in fun new ways. Fit through forms, bend into shapes and animals, match a mirrored image… even clear stacked shapes lightning fast in this fun-for-all-ages experience. Be flexible; be quick; be the life of the house party in Take Shape!

Mind ‘n Motion (Kinect for Xbox 360): Think fast and stay coordinated in Mind ‘n Motion! This fun, family-friendly experience puts your motor skills to the test with activities that keep your entire body moving as fast as your mind can trigger your next move. From juggling to dodging shapes to jumping hopscotch, Mind ‘n Motion packs in ten levels per activity and mixes it up throughout with additional gameplay elements like inverse controls, faster pace and new tricks to make you think quick on your feet!

Check back all week for the latest in active video game titles from the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Check back all week for the latest from E3. This is one show we’d hate to miss.

E3 Official Website

The games spans a variety of categories including dance, martial arts, body conditioning and even offers quirky mini-party type games. More importantly the games types allow for options for all ages and skill level, to help get those totally out of shape to tone up while still encouraging those who are their way. ExerBeat is compatible with the Wii Balance Board and Wii MotionPlus accessories.

(Trailer after the jump)

ExerBeat is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now for $29.99. Time to get your heart beating with ExerBeat.

ExerBeat Official Website

The jury has been out for a while now on the exact “benefits” of video games as fitness. We agree that video games alone can’t really replace actual trips to the gym or other physical workouts, but a new study has found that the Nintendo Wii could play an important role in getting “inactive and overweight people into exercise regimes.”

This is among the findings from a new study from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), conducted by Creative Industries Research Associate Dr. Harvey May, a former personal trainer. He worked with a small group made up mostly of women, and found that they felt more motivated to exercise after a two-week fitness regime using the video game system.

In the study the participants showed significant reduction in body mass and fat deposition around the abdominal area and improved strength, balance and walking fitness. The study, which was conducted with QUT alumnus Dr. Kagawa from Kagawa Nutrition University in Japan, included one-hour sessions with the Wii that included yoga, strength exercise, aerobic activities and balance games.

There was some negative findings as well, notably that the video games could result in repetitive stress and “poor direction for some activities.” Still, anything that helps motivate people to do more is good in our book.

[Via HealthCanal.com: Game consoles can help inactive adults get fit]