The eGames Lab consortium, the largest research and development group in the area of video games in Portugal, received the “Best Poster Award” at the 12th International Conference on Research and Technology in Sports Sciences. The event, which brought together around 300 researchers, took place in Porto on November 21st and 22nd and was organized by the Institute of Information, Control, and Communication Systems and Technologies.

The “Best Poster Award” was presented for the scientific work entitled “Assessing Physical Activity Levels While Playing Virtual Reality Exergames: A Pilot Study,” conducted by Mário Teixeira, Hildegardo Noronha, Pedro Campos, and Cíntia França. The study aimed to investigate the impact of active video games in virtual reality on the physical activity intensity levels of healthy adult participants. This research was conducted as part of the scientific activities of the researchers, in collaboration with the Funchal City Council and the ITI Interactive Technologies Institute, one of the main partners of the eGames Lab.

The study’s results show that these video games can achieve light to moderate levels of physical activity, making them a complementary tool for traditional physical activities. They help combat sedentary lifestyles and contribute to the adoption of more active habits. The work highlights the potential of developing active video games to promote physical activity and, consequently, improve health and well-being.

“This pilot study represents an important milestone for eGames Lab, as it underscores the relevance of scientific research in video game development within the context of health and well-being,” says Miguel Campos, Leader of the eGames Lab Consortium.

Regarding the recognition, he adds, “It highlights the excellence of the eGames Lab research team and its ability to produce results with a significant impact, not only in the field of video games but also on people’s quality of life.