Does Pokémon GO increase leisure-time physical activity according to World Health Organization physical activity guidelines?

Purpose: Although studies have demonstrated that Pokémon GO (PG) can increase physical activity (PA) and reduce users’ sitting time (ST), few studies have indicated whether changes in users’ activity levels satisfy the main criteria for PA. In this study, we determined whether the walking time, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), and ST of players with different levels of involvement in the game and nonplayers are consistent with PA guidelines to identify factors associated with users walking during their leisure time. Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire developed with reference to the World Health Organization (WHO) PA guidelines was distributed to Taiwanese citizens aged 18–64 years. A total of 1070 participants provided valid responses; 520 (48.6%) were classified as “players,” and 550 (51.4%) were classified as “nonplayers.” A chi-squared test was performed to identify differences between the groups with respect to the WHO PA guidelines. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the association between PG behaviors and leisure time spent walking for at least 150 min per week. Results: Compared with nonplayers, players went on more walks (p = 0.037) and had longer ST (p = 0.003) but did not have higher LTPA or more moderate to vigorous PA. The duration and number of days spent playing PG per week as well as the coplayers affected whether the players achieved 150 min of leisure-time walking. Conclusion: The results indicated that PG can increase PA and reduce ST. However, most players do not meet the amount recommended by the WHO guidelines.