The latest addition to Playdale's i.play unit is now able to provide evidence-based feedback.

An online users' area, linked to each individual unit, offers purchasers usage data including the number of games played, the total number of calories burned and the distance covered by players during games.

Playdale sales and marketing director Barry Leahey said: "This was a natural product development for us.

"We know that i.play has proved effective in combating the effects of childhood obesity, but we wanted our customers to be able to measure this.

"Presenting these figures to the local community should prove hugely beneficial in communicating efforts to engage youngsters in stimulating activities that improve their fitness levels."

The i.play concept has already achieved international success with an installation in Spain.

The unit, located in Orio, San Sebastian, is the first to be installed outside the UK and Ireland.