Modeling serious games design towards engaging children with special needs in therapy

Abstract

One of the reasons why patients lose focus and interest in physiotherapy exercises is their repetitive nature. Frequently used techniques when trying to promote user engagement and motivation are the gamification of tasks and use of serious games. This paper conceptualizes a framework model to support the design of serious games for children with special needs and a computational platform that implements this concept. The model includes the definition of games based on levels and sequences of actions. The actions model therapeutic exercises. The platform allows the creation of game actions applicable for specific therapies. The setting of the game action scope, in relation to the intended therapies, allows the system to suggest specific actions, based on the patient profile and current needs. The platform allows for later viewing and analysis of recorded results and a comparative analysis of patients' usage data and results is possible. Moreover, data and results can be shared and compared between clinics that use the platform. The paper ends with the presentation of a study based on a game designed following the platform model and being connected to it.