Social interaction moderates enjoyment and perception of physical activity during exergame play in young adults with autism spectrum disorders

Background: Technology has been used successfully to enhance social engagement for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), yet the majority of screen‐based media are sedentary and solitary activities. Young adults with ASD are at risk for overweight/obesity and sedentary behavior. Exergaming is an emerging physically active occupation that may benefit individuals with ASD who are often drawn to technology, and who may have limited opportunities for physical activity in the community. In pilot studies, subjects reported enjoying exergaming more than playing traditional seated videogames, and they consistently achieved moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity levels while exergaming. Typically developing individuals tend to work harder and enjoy physical activities more when playing with a partner. However, individuals with ASD are known to have limitations in conventional social interaction skills. ❧ Method: We measured the physiological and psychological responses of young adults with and without ASD to videogame play under varying conditions. We sought to describe the relationship of exergaming to physical activity levels in this group, and to determine if exergame playing condition (alone versus with a peer playing partner) influenced physical activity level and/or enjoyment. We used a two diagnostic group (ASD and neuro‐typical) by two playing status (alone and with partner) by three game type (boxing exergame, tennis exergame, traditional seated videogame) repeated‐measures crossover design with randomized conditions. ❧ Results: Participants experienced high levels of enjoyment and perceived exertion while exergaming. For individuals on the Autism Spectrum, perceived exertion was mediated by enjoyment during partner play. That is, subjects on the Autism Spectrum reported significantly lower perceived exertion and greater enjoyment when playing the most physically challenging games with the greatest intensity, as measured by heart rate, energy expenditure, and activity counts. ❧ Conclusion: For some young adults with ASD, exergaming with a partner contributes to greater enjoyment and higher‐intensity gameplay as compared to playing alone and playing TSVGs. Exergaming represents a cost‐effective, socially relevant, and accessible way to incorporate physical activity into the daily lives of young adults with Autism Spectrum, many of whom are at risk for sedentary lifestyle and overweight/obesity. Incorporating a social component into physical activities may further enhance the health‐promoting effects for individuals with ASD, who have previously been characterized as uninterested or unable to interact socially.