Engagement in game-based rehabilitation for women with fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract

This paper reports on two linked studies exploring the general potentials, with foci on constraints and facilitators, of engagement in rehabilitation during motion-controlled video gameplay (MCVG). 17 female participants diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) took part in the studies, wherein three different MCVGs were used, which were conducted by session leaders having different profiles. This investigation demonstrates the potentials of how MCVGs can act as an effective healthcare intervention for women with FMS with regards to offering activity structured around their interest, goals and choices. These aspects were found to be empowering as well as encouraging the participants to take on an active role in the activity. The analysis identified four main themes relative to the perception of constraints and facilitators to engagement in FMS gameplay-based rehabilitation: goal setting, facilitator approach, personalized gameplay and feedback and achievement. These are further elaborated and discussed in the paper. Conclusions are that deeper understanding of engagement within the FMS community, in particular related to rehabilitation using MCVGs, can be useful to enhance rehabilitation processes and better dress rehabilitation providers to better facilitate engagement and enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.