The University of South Florida and iTECH Fitness collaborated in 2006 to create the industries first University based research lab called the USF XRKade Research Lab. The XRKade Research Laboratory is located within the School of Physical Education and Exercise Science at USF. The laboratory is a 1,800 sq. foot teaching and research facility established to investigate and promote the use of active gaming technologies.

Specific goals of the lab are to (1) establish a model active gaming center where beginning and experienced teachers, instructors, and facilitators can explore the pedagogical strategies and contemporary curriculums used in an active gaming environment; (2) to conduct research and investigate the potential benefits of active gaming on various populations, and (3) evaluate and test new active gaming products in conjunction with iTECH Fitness.

The pilot studies from the USF XRKade research lab support the use of active gaming technologies as a form of physical activity, and the University will open its second XRKade lab this fall, 2008, in an elementary school for on-going research related to active gaming.

For more information on the research lab please contact us or Lisa Hansen at USF.