Biomechanical comparison between traditional hula-hooping and Nintendo Wii hula-hooping

Introduction: The use of gaming consoles for exercise training and rehabilitation has been gaining popularity however, research comparing exercises performed with gaming consoles vs. traditional methods are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the muscle activity and lower limb joint movement during Nintendo Wii Hula-Hooping and traditional Hula-Hooping. Methods: Participants (N = 14) performed Nintendo Wii Hula-Hooping and traditional Hula-Hopping while lower limb joint kinematics and core (erector spinae, external oblique and rectus abdominis) muscle activities were recorded via optical infrared cameras and surface electromyography respectively. Results: Nintendo Wii Hula-Hooping pelvis (obliquity, tilt and rotation) and hip (sagittal plane) range of movement were significantly (P < .05) greater than during traditional Hula-Hooping. Traditional Hula-Hooping displayed significantly (P < .05) more external oblique, rectus abdominis and erector spine muscle activation than the Nintendo Wii Hula-Hooping. Conclusion: Although differences between Nintendo Wii Hula-Hooping and traditional Hula-Hooping conditions exist, the use of these methods may be more dependent on the exercise therapy program that has been designed for the client and the capacity of the client