A Comparison of Exergaming Interfaces for Use in Rehabilitation Programs and Research

Exergames or active video games are video games with interfaces that require active involvement and the exertion of physical force by participants. These exergames are designed to track body motion and provide both fun and exercise for game players. Numerous video game console companies have designed exergaming interfaces that are becoming very popular. This paper examines the nature of the interfaces and explores the possibility of using these interfaces for rehabilitation programs and research. While many systems exist, this paper will focus on three major players: Sony PlayStation Move, Nintendo Wii, and Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect. Comparisons include the technical specifications, the motion sensed by each interface, and the motion required in each therapeutic activity type. Discussion addresses the research implications of using these tools.

[1]  Edward Hæggström,et al.  Transient analysis to enhance Wii Fit sleepiness tester , 2009, 2009 16th International Conference on Digital Signal Processing.

[2]  Jan Sohnsmeyer,et al.  Effect of a Six-week-intervention with an Activity-promoting Video Game on Isometric Muscle Strength in Elderly Subjects , 2010, Int. J. Comput. Sci. Sport.

[3]  J. Deutsch,et al.  Use of a Low-Cost, Commercially Available Gaming Console (Wii) for Rehabilitation of an Adolescent With Cerebral Palsy , 2008, Physical Therapy.

[4]  S. Kuys,et al.  Is the Wii Fit™ a new-generation tool for improving balance, health and well-being? A pilot study , 2010, Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society.

[5]  Johnny Chung Lee,et al.  Hacking the Nintendo Wii Remote , 2008, IEEE Pervasive Computing.

[6]  J.E. Deutsch,et al.  Wii-based compared to standard of care balance and mobility rehabilitation for two individuals post-stroke , 2009, 2009 Virtual Rehabilitation International Conference.

[7]  Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols.  Game-Console Makers Battle over Motion-Sensitive Controllers , 2009, Computer.

[8]  David M Walton,et al.  A “Wii” bit of fun: The effects of adding Nintendo Wii® Bowling to a standard exercise regimen for residents of long-term care with upper extremity dysfunction , 2011, Physiotherapy theory and practice.

[9]  Christopher Wee Keong Kuah,et al.  A feasibility study using interactive commercial off-the-shelf computer gaming in upper limb rehabilitation in patients after stroke. , 2010, Journal of rehabilitation medicine.

[10]  Jenny Edwards,et al.  Understanding Movement as Input for Interaction-a study of Two EyeToy(tm) Games , 2004 .

[11]  Fraser Anderson,et al.  Lean on Wii: physical rehabilitation with virtual reality Wii peripherals. , 2010, Studies in health technology and informatics.

[12]  Peta Wyeth,et al.  GameFlow: a model for evaluating player enjoyment in games , 2005, CIE.

[13]  Dennis Wollersheim,et al.  Physical and Psychosocial Effects of Wii Video Game Use among Older Women , 2010 .

[14]  Javier Garcia,et al.  Projection of speckle patterns for 3D sensing , 2008 .

[15]  H. Stam,et al.  Energy expenditure in adults with cerebral palsy playing Wii Sports. , 2010, Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

[16]  Larry Katz,et al.  Using virtual reality technology and biometric interfaces in obesity reduction , 2011 .

[17]  Heidi Sugarman,et al.  Use of the Nintendo Wii Fit for the Treatment of Balance Problems in an Elderly Patient with Stroke: A Case Report , 2009 .

[18]  Josef Wiemeyer,et al.  Comparison of a traditional and a Video Game Based Balance Training Program , 2010, Int. J. Comput. Sci. Sport.

[19]  Rui C. V. Loureiro,et al.  Gaming and Social Interactions in the Rehabilitation of Brain Injuries: A Pilot Study with the Nintendo Wii Console , 2010 .

[20]  W. McIlroy,et al.  Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Using Wii Gaming Technology in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial and Proof of Principle , 2010, Stroke.

[21]  Philip Hingston,et al.  Considerations for the design of exergames , 2007, GRAPHITE '07.

[22]  Paul McCrory,et al.  Validity and reliability of the Nintendo Wii Balance Board for assessment of standing balance. , 2010, Gait & posture.