A Pilot Study on the Effects of Competitive Exergames on Life Satisfaction among Overweight and Obese Male Adolescents in Fujian, China

This pilot study examined the effects of competitive exergames on life satisfaction among overweight and obese male adolescents in Fujian, China. Twenty-four participants aged 12 to 15 years were randomly divided into three groups- a peer involvement competitive exergames group (PICE), a single-player competitive exergames group (SPCE), and a control group physical education class (PEC). The intervention lasted for two weeks, three times a week. Life satisfaction was assessed using the Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS). The results showed that the PICE group was significantly better than the control group in friend satisfaction (p = 0.017, d = 1.443) and self-satisfaction (p = 0.027, d = 1.009). Other dimensions also showed positive trends, especially in the PICE group, although these trends did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that peer involvement in competitive exergame interventions can have a positive impact on adolescents' social and psychological well-being. This study provides preliminary evidence that competitive exergame can be a feasible and effective method to improve life satisfaction in overweight and obese adolescents. Intervention duration and exercise intensity may need to be adjusted in the future to verify and expand these effects and feasibility.