A single session of a beach volleyball exergame did not improve state anxiety level in healthy adult women.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the acute effect of the exergame Kinect Sports® beach volleyball on state anxiety level in adult women. Thirty healthy adult women (age 21 [4] years, body mass 54.70 [19.50] kg, height 1.61 ± 0.05 m, and body mass index 21.87 [5.76] kg/m2, data are expressed as median [interquartile range] and as the mean ± standard deviation) were assigned to play an exergame of beach volleyball in singleplayer mode session (intervention session) for ~ 30 min using the Xbox 360 Kinect® or remained seated (control session). State anxiety was evaluated before and after the intervention and control sessions through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. State anxiety obtained in both sessions (exergame and control) was classified as intermediate before (median 36.00 [IQR 4.75] and mean = 38.73 ± 7.23, respectively) and after (mean 34.86 ± 6.81 and mean 37.66 ± 8.44, respectively). Friedman test found no time significant effect on state anxiety of the sessions (χ2 [3] = 6.45, p-value = 0.092, Kendall's W = 0.07 "trivial"). In conclusion, the present study showed that there were no significant differences in the state anxiety level after an acute session of the exergame beach volleyball.

RESUMEN

KEY POINTS • Exergame beach volleyball presented high enjoyment and a moderate to strong future engagement possibility. • A session of the volleyball exergame did not improve affectivity and state anxiety level compared with control condition. • A session of the volleyball exergame elicited moderate physical exercise intensity.