Keeping Kids Fit

New research on the electronic phenomena, PlayAlive, undertaken by Staffordshire University’s Centre for Sport and Exercise Research, has shown that this latest piece of play equipment can significantly increase children’s heart rates which can ultimately benefit their health.

The launch of PlayAlive coincides with a recent study* that has revealed alarming figures indicating that fitness levels of British children are falling twice as quickly as the global average, with youngsters being significantly less fit than they were a decade ago.  Sedentary life-styles are to blame, according to the researchers.  Crucially, they also gave warning that falling activity levels could be even worse for children’s health than being overweight.

Mclays’ and Wicksteed Playscapes has introduced this ingenious piece of play equipment which combines traditional play with electronics.  The giant spider-shaped PlayAlive is interlaced with web-like climbing ropes with a central computer console that allows interactive electronic games to be played via satellites around the structure.

Researchers from the University studied children aged 9-11 and test results revealed that those playing on the PlayAlive equipment were exercising mostly at between 60-80% of their age-related maximum heart rate, which equates to moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Based on the average heart rate profiles**, it was estimated that the children were using approximately 100-220kcal (calories) for each 15 minutes they spent on the PlayAlive equipment. They continued to expend further calories after they had finished using PlayAlive as their heart rates continued to be raised after they had stopped.

Dr Jacky Forsyth, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology Sport and Exercise at Staffordshire University commented, “The physical activity recommendation for children is to accumulate at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity. Therefore any play equipment that encourages children to exercise regularly will be hugely beneficial to their health and wellbeing.

”Different types of activity were involved whilst playing on PlayAlive and included; aerobic activity (good for the heart, lungs and circulation), flexibility, agility, balance and co-ordination (good for general mobility).

Stuart Wetherell from Mclays commented, “This is a real move forward in terms of play equipment design for as it really encourages physical exertion through presenting a tantalizing challenge.  Kids are naturally competitive and this should really offer them exciting play that gets the heart racing!

It can be difficult to get the balance right for a recreation area for children of 8+ but the new PlayAlive  really fulfils their need for something that looks ‘cool’ and appeals to a thrill-seeking generation that is captivated by electronic games.”

For further information visit www.wicksteed.co.uk  or call 01536 517028.

Editors Notes:* study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood Journal on 22nd December 2009

** Based on the average heart rate profiles, it was estimated that the children were using approximately 100 to 220 kcal (calories) for the 15-minutes of activity on the PlayAlive equipment.  This estimation of calorie expenditure assumes an average body mass (weight in kg) of 32 kg for both the boys and girls (approximately 10 years old), that the boys and girls have an average fitness level, and assumes that the energy expenditure is similar to that expended during running, although it is likely that, because the arms are being used, calorie expenditure may differ. 

The PlayAlive is eco-friendly and after one minute of no activity will automatically go into hibernation mode.  It uses low volt electricity or solar power so is safe for children and all cables are fully protected and out of children’s reach.  The sound levels and hours of use can be controlled to prevent the equipment becoming a nuisance to nearby residents.  Both the structure and satellites are made from durable materials that have undergone rigorous tests to ensure they are vandal-proof.

Both individual and team games can be chosen and the satellites respond with sound and light through touch.  The electronic system can be adapted to provide play for disabled children by creating linked satellites at low level, along a wheelchair friendly route or within a sensory garden for example. 

Quotes from children who took part in the PlayAlive research:“Looked fantastic as it was so different”“When I first saw it I thought it was just a large climbing frame, but I was really excited when the whole spider came alive with sounds and flashing coloured lights.”“It really made me run and climb so I could zap the flashing domes before my friends could get there – I was out of breath at the end”“It was really wicked!  Although I was shattered when we stopped playing I didn’t want to stop.”“Well cool!”“Working as a team of girls was great fun – we beat the boys!”“I wish we had one in our school for break times”