Researchers found that energy used during active games was still much lower than if playing sports.

But with the growing problem of childhood obesity, the authors of the report say any form of exercise should be encouraged.

Experts still warn they are no substitute for playing real sports.

Tim Cable, Professor in Exercise Physiology, said: "Children spend a lot of time playing computer games and it can be very difficult to persuade them to put down their consoles and do something else.

"More active computer games could be a useful way of increasing their activity levels and getting them interested in playing some of the sports for real."