The study by John Moores University in Liverpool revealed that one hour using jOG to play a typical Wii game involves taking 6,000-10,000 steps. 10,000 steps is the number the government recommends adults take each day to stay healthy. jOG more than tripled energy expenditure, and increased heart rate by 40% compared to seated game play, in the young adults who participated in the tests.

Launched earlier this year, the jOG is an add-on controller for the Wii that detects body motion. When the player takes a step, so does the game character on screen. Players become immersed in the game and are compelled to take light exercise. The jOG works with many existing Wii games and is a small device connected between the Nunchuk and Wii Remote that clips onto the player’s belt or waistband.

Information about this new Wii controller is available at the official website. There is also a competition to win a jOG, plus a Wii console and five games, which is open until 27th July. Visitors to the website will also be able to see the jOG in action as members of the public can upload clips of themselves using the jOG.

Brendan Ludden, Managing Director of NCG said: “We’re really proud that we’ve achieved what we set out to do – to produce a unique accessory that adds to the sense of immersion as you play your favourite games, that is great fun and contributes to your daily recommended exercise.”

The jOG is currently available through online retailers Amazon, FireBox, IWantOneOfThose, PrezzyBox, Play.com and Game. It is also available through these high street retailers: Argos, Smyths Toy Superstores, Toys R Us, WHSmith and Asda.