Getting children moving using active video games: a report of the GenMove programme

Presentation

This report outlines the development and evaluation of the GenMove programme, an innovative AVG-based initiative designed to be an engaging indoor/outdoor digital platform that encourages whole-body movement, fosters enjoyment, and enhances both physical and mental health. By leveraging advances in AI, computer vision, and AR, GenMove was tailored to engage children of all abilities aged 8–15 years, with a particular focus on promoting physical activity among less-active children and those not traditionally interested in sports.

The project aligned with key global public health strategies, including the WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025 (22) (see Box 2 and 3) and the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018– 2030 (4), which emphasize the role of technology in supporting healthy behaviours. Developed and tested with support from the State of Qatar Ministry of Health, GenMove was a central feature of the Healthy FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Project. By integrating evidence-based design with cuttingedge technologies, GenMove demonstrated how digital innovations can inspire movement, improve health outcomes, and create enjoyable experiences for children worldwide