Games for Health Journal最新文献

Objective: In recent years, an increasing number of gamification tools have been developed for older adults; however, few studies have explored the acceptability of these tools after initial use and sustained use in older adults. In the current study, we focus on "FISHERMAN," an executive function training game containing a cognitive game and an exergame, with the aim of investigating and comparing the acceptability of both versions of "FISHERMAN" after initial use and 3 months of sustained use in older adults. Materials and Methods: Seventy-six older adults were randomly assigned to the cognitive game training group or the exergame training group. Participants completed two 1-hour sessions per week for 12 weeks. Acceptability was evaluated through a validated, 7-point, self-rating, Interactive Technology Art Installation Technology Acceptance Model Questionnaire after the first and last training sessions, with higher ratings representing higher acceptability. The questionnaire included 22 items and 9 acceptability dimensions: usage behavior, intention to use, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived playfulness, subjective norm, image, output quality, and result demonstrability. Descriptive statistics were conducted to evaluate acceptability after initial and sustained use. Two-way (time: initial use and sustained use; group: cognitive game group and exergame group) repeated ANOVAs were conducted to investigate the differences in acceptability. Post hoc, within-group, paired-sample t test analyses were performed to evaluate changes in game acceptability for each group over time. Results: After initial use and 3 months of sustained use, the average scores for overall acceptability and individual dimensions exceeded 5.5 of 7 points in both groups. The two groups presented different changes from initial use to sustained use. The overall acceptability, usage behavior, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use were significantly improved after training within the cognitive game group, while perceived playfulness was significantly reduced within the exergame group. Conclusions: The current study provided preliminary evidence that older adults had high acceptability for both the cognitive game and exergame versions of "FISHERMAN." After sustained use, acceptability of the cognitive game increased and acceptability of the exergame decreased, highlighting the importance of assessing game acceptability after initial and sustained use.

Background: "Tablet Enhancement of Cognition and Health" (TECH) is a cognitive intervention that includes two components: 5 weeks of daily self-training using puzzle-game apps on a touch screen tablet and weekly group sessions. This study aimed to (i) explore experiences of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) following their participation in TECH, (ii) identify hindering and enabling factors to self-training, and (iii) describe participants' perceived and objective cognitive changes and examine factors associated with their satisfaction from TECH. Materials and Methods: We used quantitative and qualitative measures; a phenomenological qualitative design using focus groups and interviews of 14 older adults with MCI and a focus group of the TECH facilitators. Satisfaction with TECH, self-training time, and perceived and objective cognitive changes (using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) were evaluated. Results: Qualitative data were classified into three categories: Memory problems, Hindering and enabling factors to self-training, and Meaningful group sessions. The TECH facilitators reported positive changes, less cognitive complaints, and commitment and satisfaction of the participants. Participants reported overall satisfaction from TECH and performed a median interquartile range of 22.6 (19.9-42.8) self-training hours. Higher satisfaction was correlated with a higher objective cognitive change (r = 0.95, P < 0.01) and less training time (r = -0.91, P < 0.01). Discussion and Conclusions: Participants in the current study actively engaged in daily self-training using touch screen-tablet-puzzle-game and functional apps, driven by both internal and external motivators. Despite the lack of cognitive improvement, they expressed satisfaction with their participation in TECH. Therefore, encouraging older adults to engage in meaningful cognitive stimulating activities is recommended.

Geriatric hospitalized patients often experience complications associated with frailty and impaired functioning in activities of daily living. To enhance their functional independence, repetitive and continuous high-frequency exercises are necessary. However, conventional physical therapy (PT) can be monotonous and lead to reduced adherence. The introduction of Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure exergame (EG) as a complement to PT for geriatric inpatients has the potential to improve exercise enjoyment and acceptability. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of combining EG with PT for geriatric inpatients. A total of 30 geriatric inpatients were included in the study, receiving EG+PT on day 1 and PT only on day 2. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed using the Borg scale, whereas enjoyment, motivation to continue, and perceived effectiveness were evaluated through a questionnaire after each exercise session and subsequently compared. The RPE for the lower extremities and the sense of enjoyment (P = 0.06) were found to be higher after the EG+PT session. The results suggest that combining PT with EG can enhance the enjoyment of exercise sessions and facilitate an increase in the intensity and frequency of exercise therapy. Incorporating EGs into geriatric PT holds promise as an effective strategy to improve patient engagement and adherence to exercise regimens. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term benefits and potential applications of EGs in geriatric rehabilitation settings.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) game based on n-back training paradigm as a training tool for working memory (WM) of Chinese healthy older adults. Materials and Methods: One hundred eighteen older adults self-assessed as healthy were included in this study. Individuals were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 57) and a control group (n = 61). Interventions, consisting of a 30-minute AR game-based training and a 30-minute health science program, were administered three times per week for 4 weeks, whereas the control group was required to view a 60-minute health science program three times per week for 4 weeks. Tests, Digit Span, Corsi Block-Tapping Task (CBT), and Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), were conducted for all participants before and after the experiment, and the game accuracy rate of the intervention group before and after intervention was recorded. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in terms of both CBT indicators, CBT forward span (z = -2.835, P = 0.005) and CBT backward span (z = 3.285, P = 0.001), and the SCWT indicator of Stroop Words Test (SW) (z = -1.894, P = 0.048) in the two groups. The intervention group showed significant improvements in the game accuracy of both medium level (z = -3.535, P < 0.05) and of high level (z = -3.953, P < 0.05). In addition, differences were observed in subgroup analysis in the accuracy of medium level (H = 6.218, P < 0.05) and high level (H = 8.002, P < 0.05) among older people with different levels of education. Conclusion: AR game based on n-back training paradigm could improve WM of Chinese older adults, showing potential for wider promotion and adoption.

Research within the domain of games for health has predominantly focused on individuals' intrinsic motivation characterized by an inherent enjoyment of the activity. Despite the apparent benefits of intrinsic motivation, we argue that it is imperative to adopt a more nuanced and refined perspective on motivation. Relying on the motivation continuum as outlined within Self-Determination Theory, research within this domain needs to distinguish between both intrinsic and extrinsic (i.e., external, introjected, identified, and integrated regulation) types of motivation. Researchers should, therefore, embrace instruments that assess a broader continuum of motivation rather than just intrinsic motivation alone. By doing so, future research can yield more insight into what fosters autonomous forms of motivation in the field of health-related games, including intrinsic and identified and integrated regulation.

Purpose: To determine the effects of virtual reality training using Xbox Kinect on balance, postural control, and functional independence in subjects with stroke. Methods: The parallel double-blind randomized control trial was conducted on 41 individuals based on selection criteria. Participants were divided into two groups by concealed envelope method. Intervention group received exergaming by Xbox Kinect, and control group was given exercises comprising balance training, upper limb strengthening, and core strengthening. Berg balance scale (BBS), functional independence measure (FIM), trunk impairment scale (TIS), and timed up and go (TUG) were the outcome measures. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21. Results: Mean age of the participants of Xbox and exercise group were 58.6 ± 3.3 and 58.1 ± 4.3 years, respectively. Within group improvement was observed in both groups from baseline to 8 weeks postintervention; BBS: 34 ± 4.7 to 40.9 ± 4.9 in intervention group and 34.1 ± 4.4 to 38.1 ± 7.6 in control group, TUG: 25.6 ± 3.9 to 21.4 ± 3.8 and 28.6 ± 5.0 to 25.9 ± 4.7, TIS: 15.2 ± 1.8 to 19.2 ± 1.3 and 13.2 ± 1.7 to 15.3 ± 1.6 and FIM: 58.7 ± 7.7 to 52.5 ± 7.8 and 66.2 ± 7.6 to 62.6 ± 7.2 in intervention and control group, respectively. Between group improvement was observed in TUG, TIS, and FIM in experimental group with P-values 0.003, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively. Conclusions: Wii Fit improved functional mobility, independence, and trunk coordination extension in the stroke patients, whereas balance could be equally improved from Wii Fit and exercises. Trial Registration Number: ACTRN12619001688178.

Purpose: Virtual reality is widely used in patients with chronic musculoskeletal problems. However, the short-term effects on individuals with transtibial (TT) amputation during this process remain unclear. This study aimed at investigating the effects of virtual reality on rehabilitation outcomes in TT amputees. Methods: The study included 20 TT amputees who were using TT prostheses. The participants were divided into two groups randomly as follows: physiotherapy (PT) and virtual reality (VR). Participants were treated 3 days a week, for 4 weeks, and evaluations were made before and after treatment; a 6-minute walk test was used for performance, a single-leg balance test for balance, Trinity Amputation Prosthesis Experience Scale for prosthesis satisfaction, a 10-meter walking test for gait speed, and a wearable smart t-shirt to determine cadence. Results: It was found that there was a statistically significant difference in performance, balance, prosthesis satisfaction, cadence, and gait speed before and after PT (P < 0.05). There were differences in terms of performance, prosthesis satisfaction, balance, cadence, and gait speed before and after VR (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between PT and VR (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The 4 weeks of VR training improved performance, prosthesis satisfaction, balance, cadence, and gait speed in TT amputation rehabilitation similar to physiotherapy methods. The addition of VR training to amputation rehabilitation will bring improvements since it is a fun and safe intervention. Clinical Trial Registration: The trial is registered at Clinical Trials.gov, Trial No: NCT03872193.

This project explored the selection process of commercially available virtual reality (VR) games for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) developed a classification framework that they used to evaluate VR games. The classification framework focused on movements required to effectively play the game, cognitive demand, position for game play, ease in menu navigation, and perceived therapeutic applications. OTPs used the ratings to aid in game selection and identified relevant game examples that allowed customizable settings and basic navigation with a game focus on functional activities. The OTPs and the research team identified the need for further work on accessibility and adaptability of game features (e.g., difficulty and limb usage) allowing for more individualization to optimize outcomes of VR-enhanced rehabilitation. The classification framework was useful in evaluating the potential therapeutic benefit of commercially available VR games. However, trial of the game by clinicians prior to use was still warranted.

Objective: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) present motor learning disorders and somatosensory dysfunction. Although many protocols use videogames in children with CP, few apply or examine motor learning principles. This study aims at (1) implementing therapist-user-designer collaboration in adapting a videogame to the principles of motor learning and the characteristics of users with CP, and (2) piloting the effectiveness of these adaptations by analyzing the achievement of motor learning parameters (learning rate acquisition, retention, and transfer to motor and somatosensory function). Materials and Methods: Periodical interprofessional meetings conducted to the adaptation of a videogame, requiring the control of a joystick for traveling through a maze, to motor learning principles. In a pilot validation, effects in unilateral upper limb function, gross manual dexterity, and somatosensory thresholds were assessed before and after 10-week training in 13 children with CP. Results: After 10-week training with the adapted serious game, children showed learning rates above 90% and improvement in motor learning parameters along the sessions. Manual dexterity and pronation-supination of the dominant hand improved after training. No significant effects were found on somatosensory thresholds. Conclusion: Serious games are useful as motor learning tools for improving motor function in children with PC. Cooperative work among professionals and users is advisable for designing efficient videogames according to rehabilitation best practices.

The aim of this scoping review was to examine virtual reality (VR) interventions used within rehabilitation and their effect on the functional outcomes of individuals with stroke. Specifically, this study sought to determine the impact of VR on the upper extremity (UE) use of participants as it relates to body function, occupational participation, and overall UE function (UEfxn). Twenty-six articles were selected for inclusion and results were extracted to determine common themes of outcomes among the effects of VR intervention (VRI). Thematic analysis included details about the VRIs used, as well as the change in UE outcomes post-VRI. Overall, positive change in UEfxn was found across many of the studies, indicating that VR technologies may be an effective intervention technique for individuals, poststroke. Findings of this review encourage clinicians to conduct further research regarding VR technology for UE rehabilitation poststroke.