Interactive physical games: Improving balance in older adults

Abstract

As part of an ongoing project, we developed a motion-based Evergreen Fitness System (EFS) intending to train balance in older adults. A participatory design approach was applied where health experts were consulted for designing exercises appropriate for balance training, and thirteen older adults (average 68 years old) were invited to use the system for providing feedback. Aspects being evaluated included suitability of the exercises that were integrated into EFS, their enjoyment during the use of EFS and the user experience of the gameplay, system operation, game design, and intent to use. The questionnaire interview shows that our senior participants found the exercises suitable and beneficial and the interactive physical games enjoyable. We also observed that our participants have varying capabilities in performing body motions. They paid more attention on the exercise itself during gameplay than the game results/progress report but would discuss their performance while watching others play afterward. Based on these findings, we proposed that an adaptive mechanism, socially interactive functions and more informative progress report should be included in the system, in hope to promote the optimal physical outcomes.