JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Office workers are one of the most sedentary demographic groups, with occupational sickness frequently caused by symptoms or disorders of the musculoskeletal system of the neck and upper extremities. Casual exergames, which mix elements of casual gaming with physical activity, are one prospective intervention to reduce sedentary behavior among office workers. Casual exergames have shown promise in fostering positive emotions and physical advantages for office workers when played under specific circumstances. However, little research exists on how different types of movement interactions impact the psychological attractiveness and physiological effectiveness in casual exergames.

Objective:

The primary aim of this work was to explore the psychological attractiveness and physiological effectiveness of different types of movement interactions in short-duration casual exergames lasting 2 minutes. More precisely, the investigation focused on comparing upper-body with full-body movement interaction. Additionally, the work examined variations in body position, considering both standing and seated positions during upper-body movement interactions.

Methods:

Two casual exergames were developed and investigated through two quasi-experimental studies. In study 1 we investigated how players' perceptions of control, exertion, and immersion were affected by utilizing upper-body as opposed to full-body exergame controllers when playing casual exergames. In study 2 we investigated differences in positive affect, performance, enjoyment, and exertion when playing casual exergames with upper-body movement interactions in seated and standing positions.

Results:

Study 1 showed that perceived control was significantly higher for the upper-body movement interaction compared to the full-body movement interaction, but there were no significant differences regarding perceived exertion or immersion. Study 2 showed that positive affect increased significantly for both standing and seated gameplay. The participants in the standing gameplay group had slightly higher actual exertion, however, there was no differences between the groups in terms of positive affect, perceived exertion, enjoyment, and performance.

Conclusions:

Casual exergames controlled by upper-body movement interactions and seated gameplay can produce similar psychological attractiveness and physiological effectiveness as upper-body in standing gameplay and full-body movement interactions. Upper-body and seated casual exergames can therefore not be overlooked as a suitable micro-break activity.