An Exergame Concept for Improving Balance in Elderly People

Ather Nawaz, Mathilde Waerstad, Kine Omholt, Jorunn L. Helbostad, Beatrix Vereijken, Nina Skjæret, Lill Kristiansen

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    Abstract

    Video exercise games (exergames) are becoming increasingly popular among elderly people. Many elderly experience reduced balance and muscle strength which make them at increased risk of falling. Muscle strength and balance training are the key components for preventing function decline and falls at old age. Exergames that are to be used among elderly users should be specifically designed for this group of people. This study aims to design and evaluate an exergame concept developed to fit the need and preferences of elderly users. First, seven elderly people tested three commercially available exergames. Feedback from focus group interviews revealed that the design of the existing exergames should be simplified and more closely related to activities that can be associated with older people’s daily life. Based on the feedback a new exergame concept “in nature” was designed. The new exergame concept had a simple design, and included balance and muscle strengthening exercises related to real life activities. In the results of the workshop, the study provides eight design recommendations for exergame design for seniors.
    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    TitelICTs for Improving Patients Rehabilitation Research Techniques : Second International Workshop, REHAB 2014, Oldenburg, Germany, May 20-23, 2014, Revised Selected Papers
    RedaktørerHabib M. Fardoun, Victor M R. Penichet, Daniyal M. Alghazzawi
    UdgivelsesstedBerlin
    ForlagSpringer
    Publikationsdato2015
    Sider55-67
    ISBN (Trykt)9783662486443
    ISBN (Elektronisk)9783662486450
    DOI
    StatusUdgivet - 2015
    Begivenhed2nd International Workshop on ICTs for improving Patients Rehabilitation Research Techniques. REHAB 2014 - Oldenburg, Tyskland
    Varighed: 20 maj 201423 maj 2015
    Konferencens nummer: 2
    http://www.rehab-workshop.org/2014/

    Workshop

    Workshop2nd International Workshop on ICTs for improving Patients Rehabilitation Research Techniques. REHAB 2014
    Nummer2
    Land/OmrådeTyskland
    ByOldenburg
    Periode20/05/201423/05/2015
    Internetadresse
    NavnCommunications in Computer and Information Science
    Vol/bind515
    ISSN1865-0929

    Emneord

    • Exergames
    • Design
    • Seniors
    • Balance
    • Falls
    • Elderly

    Citationsformater