A recent study conducted by researchers claims that the game Pokemon GO is linked with the increased level of physical activities by the players. After installation of the game, players tend to take more steps daily. The link, however, was only observed in a short period of time.

Research About Pokemon Go Impacts To Physical Activities

The research was made to investigate and assess the health impact of Pokemon Go to the physical activities of its players. It was conducted through an online survey with a sample size of 1,182 people between 18 and 35 years old. The participants who played Pokemon GO recorded a total of 4,256 steps each day in four weeks before installing the game.

After installation of Pokemon Go, the daily number of steps increased to 5,123 during the first week and went 4,994 in the second week. In the third week, the daily number of steps taken went down to 4,693 then continued to go back down up to 4,499. By the fifth week, the players only had 4,108 steps taken and by week 6, the number of steps taken daily went down to 3,985. The non-player participants, on the other, hand took 4,127 average steps daily throughout the period of study.

Pokemon GO Boosts Physical Activities But Only For A Short Time

The study concludes that Pokemon GO is associated with the increase of physical activities and exercise in terms of walking or running. However, the link is moderate and no longer exists after six since the installation of the game. Katherine B. Howe, co-author of the research said that the study did not probe any reason behind the drop-off but she said it could be due to some players quitting the game or remaining players were being less active.

"Even if smaller amounts of physical activity might also be important for health outcomes, the increase in steps from Pokémon GO, as with many physical activity interventions was not sustained over time," said the researchers.