A computer game based motivation system for human physiology studies

Abstract

Maximal strength testing of different muscle groups is a standard procedure in human physiology experiments. Test subjects have to exert maximum force voluntarily and are verbally encouraged by the investigator. The performance of the subjects is influenced by the verbal encouragement, but the encouragement procedure is not standardized or reproducible. To counter this problem a game-based motivation system prototype is developed to provide instant feedback to the subjects and also incentives to motivate them. The prototype was developed for the Biodex System 3 Isokinetic Dynamometer to improve the peak torque performance in an isometric knee extensor strength examination. Data analysis is performed on torque data from an existing study to understand torque response characteristics of different subjects. The parameters identified in the data analysis are used to design a shark-fish predator-prey game. The game depends on data obtained from the dynamometer in real time. A first evaluation shows that the game rewards and motivates the subject continuously over a repetition to reach the peak torque value. It also shows that the game rewards the user more if he overcomes a baseline torque value within the first second and then gradually increases the torque to reach the peak value. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.