World Health Organization recommends active video games for COVID-19 isolation

The World Health Organization has recently provided a list of physical activities you can do while at home, including playing "active video games”.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis which keeps growing each day. More and more countries are implementing lockdown each week. One of, if not the best way possible to stay safe, and healthy, is to stay at home.

While at home it is a good idea to get some exercise in so you can stay healthy. The World Health Organization has recommended a list of five activities you can take up.

The important part here is the World Health Organization isn't recommending all video games. Instead, the organization is recommending "active video games".

There are quite a few options available for active video games, including Shape Up, Wii Fit U, the Just Dance franchise and a whole lot more.

However, probably the best active video game you can play is Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure. It is pricey and also requires a Nintendo Switch.

With global supply chains reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown being implemented, there are likely to be shortages of stock on the likes of the Nintendo Switch and Ring Fit Adventure. GameSpot reports the Nintendo Switch is "sold out almost everywhere, dramatically increasing prices”.

In the UK, AskAboutGames recently promoted video games as a way to stay connected with family and friends. AskAboutGames is a joint venture between the VSC Rating Board and games trade body Ukie.

The recommendation from the World Health Organization comes nearly one year after it classified "gaming disorder" as an international disease.

However, one needs to keep in mind the differences between regular and "active video games", as well as the definition of gaming disorder.

The latter is described as a pattern of behaviour characterised by, “impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences”.

Please note: If you are feeling ill, consult your physician before taking part in physical activities.

If you can still find a Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure, and afford it, then it is an excellent way to stay active. We had a fantastic time with the device, as you can see in the video below.