A Modular Mobile Exergaming System With an Adaptive Behavior

Abstract

Obesity rates in the world, especially in the developed countries are alarming. This has forced scientists to consider obesity as an epidemic due to its huge negative consequences on the societies’ physical and mental health. Obese Children constitute a large portion of those affected by this epidemic and researchers are striving to find solutions which can curb its spread. Exergames have emerged as promising tools that can help in the fight against obesity because it promotes physical activity through playing. In this paper, we present a mobile-based exergaming system that targets children of different ages and that aims to encourage them to do running and jumping exercises in an enjoyable manner. It currently incorporates 1 game but its modular structure enables to easily accept even more games. The system uses a novel foot interface and a heart monitor that allow interacting with a special game that can adapt to the user’s performance. The preliminary evaluations with two children have shown that the system can be an effective tool that engages users into physical activity.