Valo Motion, a pioneer in combining interactive technology with physical activities, is sharing insights into how active games can contribute to healthier lifestyles for children and teens by promoting physical activity in a fun and engaging way.
This issue is particularly pertinent today, especially in Europe and the United States, where childhood obesity has emerged as a major public health challenge. Rates of childhood overweight and obesity have surged in recent decades, with over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 classified as overweight in 2022. This marks a significant increase from just 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022. These figures are similar for both genders, as 19% of girls and 21% of boys were classified as overweight last year.
However, research increasingly indicates that active gaming and play can effectively promote physical activity among young people. For example, a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the effectiveness of active video games for overweight and obese teenagers highlights their potential to reduce sedentary behaviour while encouraging healthier habits.
Active gaming promotes physical activity
Childhood obesity has risen globally, with overweight children at higher risk of becoming overweight adults. Given the popularity of gaming, active video games offer a promising way to promote healthy living in children.
In the US, 61% of the population—190.6 million people—play video games, underscoring gaming’s positive impact on social and emotional well-being. Generations Alpha and Z are enthusiastic gamers, with 79% of Gen Alpha (ages 5–10) playing weekly, compared to 56% of adults.
The solution is clear: leveraging mixed reality (MR) technologies enables active, social, and enjoyable gaming experiences that promote physical activity. Video games are fundamentally social, and MR systems are particularly effective in fostering social gaming settings. Innovative, immersive digital experiences are great for sparking competition and promoting physical activity, enabling friends to exercise together.
Competing against real individuals in a mixed reality environment—where players can see, hear, touch, and communicate— elevates the gaming experience significantly. As a social platform, gearless MR games hold an edge over VR games that require equipment. By removing the necessity for mobile devices or headsets, these games enable players to maintain connections with each other in the real world, transforming the game into a collaborative challenge. The sense of risk and interactions with fellow players feel authentic.
This technology creates new opportunities for gamified experiences in traditional sports environments, such as gyms and climbing centres. Expanding access to MR gaming allows a broader audience to be involved in healthy activities and promotes better lifestyles. Valo Motion’s commitment to encouraging healthier living is grounded in innovative technology and thoughtful design.
Valo Motion’s solutions
At the forefront of exertainment (where exercise meets entertainment), Valo Motion develops fun and physically engaging mixed-reality games. The goal is simple: get people, especially children and teens, off the couch and into social environments where they can move, compete, and connect.
ValoClimb, the first interactive attraction from Valo Motion, launched in 2016. The concept was born when CEO Dr Raine Kajastila aimed to utilise technology to encourage physical activity during his post-doctoral research at Aalto University of Technology in Finland. His passion for climbing powered this idea.
His research led to the development of Valo Motion’s proprietary computer vision technology, ValoVision. This system tracks and recognises players in real time, allowing them to control in-game actions with their bodies, thereby eliminating the need for handheld controllers or wearable devices.
“Active games have shown us that exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore,” says Kajastila. “When kids and teens are having fun playing at our attractions, whether they’re climbing, jumping, or running inside the ValoArena, they stay active without even realizing it. What’s most rewarding for us is seeing how these games bring people together, cheering, laughing, and challenging themselves. It’s a reminder that physical activity can be a joy and not an obligation.”
Valo Motion’s products aim to make fitness feel effortless. Often, players become so immersed in the game world that they enjoy full-body movements without realising they are exercising. This “immersive active fun” makes physical activity appealing to children and teenagers who might otherwise avoid traditional workouts. These games are loved by children and endorsed by parents.
Research backs up effectiveness
Academic research underscores the effectiveness of these innovations. At CHI PLAY, a leading human-computer interaction conference, findings demonstrated how the two-player trampoline game Super Stomp motivates players to exercise. This game is part of Valo Motion’s ValoJump platform, designed to offer a safe yet competitive space for physical activity.
Lauri Lehtonen, Valo Motion’s lead game developer, developed Super Stomp as part of his Master’s thesis at Aalto University. Reecting on its creation, Lehtonen says: “Visiting our customers, we noticed people loved jumping on trampolines together with their friends, but safety risks often prevented it.
“We designed Super Stomp to solve this problem, allowing two players on separate trampolines to engage in the same digital game world, safely. We were thrilled to discover that the result not only provided fun but also motivated people to exercise!”
Numerous academic papers discuss Valo Motion’s products, stemming from Kajastila’s post-doctoral research. This work has led to globally appreciated products. Raine’s studies focus on using technology to motivate movement and skill learning in sports, as well as assessing interaction and safety in augmented reality exergaming.
Gamification
Gamifying traditional sports is another way Valo Motion inspires movement.
ValoClimb, the first augmented reality climbing wall, enhances climbing with interactive digital elements, making it more dynamic and thrilling. ValoJump turns trampolining into an interactive workout, giving players a superhero experience. Meanwhile, ValoArena offers new ways to stay active with gearless mixed-reality experiences that redefine family entertainment.
Valo Motion aims to create exciting and innovative experiences that help people enjoy movement. Players of all skill levels can engage in various games on ValoJump (trampolines), ValoClimb (climbing walls), and ValoArena (mixed reality). ValoMotion also hosts ValoLeague, an eSports league for active gaming enthusiasts, available for ValoJump and ValoClimb.
Valo Motion recently unveiled a new mixed-reality game for its renowned ValoJump attraction, Dunk It! This basketball-themed game offers an immersive experience for all ages and turns players into slam dunk superstars.
