PURPOSE:

Parental and intervention-specific environmental supports were examined as potential reinforcers for physical activity and use of a video game, Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), among a cohort of 7- to 8-year-old children.

METHODS:

Sixty children were randomized to an intervention (n = 40) or a control (n = 20) group. Physical activity was measured with accelerometry and DDR logs. Parental support for their child's physical activity was assessed via a questionnaire. DDR-specific environmental supports were captured on an environmental home screen and the DDR log.

RESULTS:

At baseline, the absence of other video games and parent DDR participation was associated with child participation in DDR. At follow-up, DDR participation of siblings and friends was associated with child participation in DDR.

CONCLUSION:

The primary findings of this study suggest that parental and peer participation in DDR may play a role in children's initial and sustained participation in DDR.