Study Shows EA Sports Active Effective Exercise Program

Electronic Arts says its EA Sports Active fitness software and its follow-up, More Workouts, pass the American College of Sports Medicine's fitness guidelines -- meaning the software really does improve health, according to a study. The study, conducted by the University of Wisconsin's Dr. John Porcari, shows that EA Sports Active improves aerobic capacity and has a healthy effect on body composition if used regularly as part of a health-conscious lifestyle. The ACSM recommends individuals undertake 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week -- things like light jogging, swimming or using an elliptical trainer. Alternately, people can do more vigorous exercise -- faster running, cycling or lap swimming -- 20 minutes a week, according to the guidelines. Said Dr. Porcari: "In terms of the intensity criteria, both workouts tested from EA Sports Active were sufficiently intense to be within ACSM guidelines." The University of Wisconsin's study included 16 physically-active adults ages 25-45, and aimed to determine the intensity of the EA Sports exercises, and measure how many calories players consumed. "We wanted to put EA Sports Active to the test to show people that as fun as the programs can be, they’re going to give you a real, challenging workout," says the franchise's executive producer, Tarrnie Williams.