Designing Simplified Exergame for Muscle and Balance Training in Seniors: A Concept of ´Out in Nature´ Ather Nawaz, Mathilde Waerstad, Kine Omholt, Jorunn L. Helbostad, Beatrix Vereijken, Nina Skjaeret and Lill Kristiansen Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway
Designing Simplified Exergame for Muscle and Balance Training in Seniors: A Concept of ´Out in Nature´
May 25, 2015
Abstract: If exergames are to be used successfully to improve physical function in senior citizens, they need to be designed
specifically for this target group. Muscle strength and balance training are the key components of exercise to
prevent falling in seniors. The aim of this study was to design a new simplified exergame concept for senior
citizens, which can focus on physical activity in general, and balance and muscle strength in particular. The study
provides a new design concept of an exergame on the basis of assessment of 7 senior participants’ (70.6 + 7.9
years) experience with three commercially available exergames. The participants stated that the design of the
existing exergames should be simplified and closely related to activities that can be associated with their daily
life. The feedback was qualitatively analyzed to enlist the requirement of new exergame. A new simplified
exergame design concept, Out in Nature, was created on the basis of the senior´s feedback. The new design
focused on a simplistic design, playing game for balance and muscle training related to real life activities. The
study demonstrates a concept for a game developed for seniors that can be used to train aspects of balance and
gait as part of natural tasks.
Authors: Ather Nawaz, Mathilde Waerstad, Kine Omholt, Jorunn L. Helbostad, Beatrix Vereijken, Nina Skjaeret and Lill Kristiansen
specifically for this target group. Muscle strength and balance training are the key components of exercise to
prevent falling in seniors. The aim of this study was to design a new simplified exergame concept for senior
citizens, which can focus on physical activity in general, and balance and muscle strength in particular. The study
provides a new design concept of an exergame on the basis of assessment of 7 senior participants’ (70.6 + 7.9
years) experience with three commercially available exergames. The participants stated that the design of the
existing exergames should be simplified and closely related to activities that can be associated with their daily
life. The feedback was qualitatively analyzed to enlist the requirement of new exergame. A new simplified
exergame design concept, Out in Nature, was created on the basis of the senior´s feedback. The new design
focused on a simplistic design, playing game for balance and muscle training related to real life activities. The
study demonstrates a concept for a game developed for seniors that can be used to train aspects of balance and
gait as part of natural tasks.
Authors: Ather Nawaz, Mathilde Waerstad, Kine Omholt, Jorunn L. Helbostad, Beatrix Vereijken, Nina Skjaeret and Lill Kristiansen
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Designing Simplified Exergame for Muscle and Balance Training in Seniors: A Concept of ´Out in
Nature´
Ather Nawaz, Mathilde Waerstad, Kine Omholt, Jorunn L. Helbostad, Beatrix Vereijken, Nina Skjaeret and Lill Kristiansen
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway
BackgroundAging population: Aged 60 and older set to double (more than 22%) of overall population
Exergame: Video games controlled by physical movements
Outcome: Decrease depression, Increase physical function and balance
(Rosenberg et al., 2010, Jung et al., 2009, Schoene et al, 2013)
Generally exergames are not designed for Seniors
Aim
Design a new and simplified exergame concept for senior citizens, which focuses on physical activity in general, and balance and muscle strength in particular.
MethodWorkshop: Requirement gathering through existing exergames
Requirement Analysis
Design/prototype
Evaluate Prototype
User-centred Design
1
2
3
4
5
(ISO 9241-210, 2010)
MethodUser-centred Design
1
2
3
4
5
Evaluation
• Qualitative assessment of observations
• Coding of interviews and feedback
• Game flow model
Workshop 1 • 7 participants
• Both multi-player and single-player
• Four commercial games: 1, 2) Kinect Sports Season Two: tennis and skiing, 3) Fruit Ninja, 4) Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012: Aging with Grace
• Questionnaire, observation, and group discussion
Workshop 1 - Results• Information Display: Simple, very simple
• Clear Outcome: Why are we doing this
• Progress and Learning: Are we doing it right?
• Appropriate Music
• Suggestions: Real-life activities: wood chopping, picking apples, walk in nature, biathlon
Implementation of Prototype
Game concept: Out in nature
Prototype: Look and feel
Type: High fidelity
«Out in nature»
«Out in nature»
a) Jump from rock to rock b) walk over the log lying across the path
c) duck under the branch d) get over the lake by rowing boat
e) balance on the log to get over river f) walk on the rock laying on the path
Workshop 2• Same participants
• Computer and Projector
• Paper prototypes
Evaluation
+ve -ve
Familier environment
Quizzes/Cognitive challenge
Simple interface No wizard
Clear goalsAlternative
expression of Muscle group
Conclusion
• Focus on Senior-centred design
• Need to design with clear outcome (i.e., muscle group training)
• Display limited information
• Progress and learning
Thank you
Ather Nawaz
Postdoc, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU),
Norway
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.athernawaz.com
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