The Use of Geocaching as a Form of Physical Activity in Youth

ABSTRACTBackground: In order to promote physical activity among youth, it is critical that communities offer options beyond sports that still provide similar health benefits. Purpose: Given the appeal of technology among today’s youth, the purpose of our study was to evaluate geocaching as a technology-based platform for promoting physical activity in youth. Methods: High school youth (N = 31) participated in 2 separate activity sessions, walking and geocaching. Accelerometers were worn and questions concerning perceived exertion and enjoyment were addressed at both sessions. Results: Although repeated measures t tests (P < .05) revealed no significant differences between activity sessions, each session yielded approximately 60 minutes of physical activity in a relatively inactive sample of youth. Additionally, the youth from the study reported that both walking and geocaching were enjoyable and relatively easy activities. Discussion: Results from this study do not suggest that geocaching would lead to gr...