Exergaming, Exercise, and Gaming: Sharing Motivations

Abstract

Health professionals view exergame technologies as an alternative tool in therapeutic treatments and the promotion of physical activity. There is a growing body of work addressing the health benefits of exergaming; however, there is limited knowledge concerning user experience in this new context. If we aim to encourage participation in exergaming, we must first understand why gamers currently play exergames. Exergaming refers to the computer games that require players to perform some level of physical exertion to play. For this reason, the present study compares the motivations that encourage participation in three contexts (exercise, computer games, and exergaming) to identify key elements that support such participation. Survey instruments were administered in each context, and motivational components were addressed within self-determination theory. Findings suggest perceptions of enjoyment and feeling better after a session and participation within a social context are key factors that encourage participation in the three contexts. Participation in exergaming is also encouraged by perceptions of performing mild exercise while playing videogames. Exergamers might not experience an optimal challenge while playing, and this may lower their motivation. Participation in exercise is also encouraged by perceptions of being healthier and, in some instances, driven to avoid feelings of guilt. Gamers also play computer games encouraged by perceptions being in a better mood after session, although some gamers might also participate aiming to gain social acceptance.

Autonomous exercise game use improves metabolic control and quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients - a randomized controlled trial

“…Key motivations for playing exercise games were perceptions of enjoyment, feeling better afterwards and participation in a social context [21]. This is fully in line with our results, which demonstrated that during the 12-week exercise game intervention, diabetes-dependent impairment decreased, and mental health, subjective wellbeing and quality of life improved significantly.…”

How Effective Is ÐExergamificationÓ? A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Gamification Features in Exergames

“…The definition states that games should consist of four main components, namely: (1) a goal to achieve, (2) rules to follow, (3) a feedback system for people to track their progress and (4) the voluntary acceptance of the three first elements. Hence, the selected studies meet the following definition adopted from [21] [20] [13]: "'a digital game that require players to (voluntary) perform physical exertion to play and where the game has specific goals, rules, and a feedback mechanism" Further, we denote by Quasi-medical the type of different gamified systems and exergames that were designed and developed for therapeutic and rehabilitation purposes.…”

Understanding the Wii Exergames Use: Voices from Assisted Living Residents

“…Exergames (entertaining exercise video games) are cited in the literature as a means of encouraging individuals to engage in physical activity. Key elements that encourage individuals to participate in exergames include perceptions of enjoyment, feeling better after a session, and participation within a social context (Osorio, Moffat, & Sykes, 2012). There is a growing body of work addressing the health benefits of Wii exergames in older adults, such as improving balance, mobility, and muscle strength (Chao, Scherer, Wu, Lucke, & Montogomery, 2013;Jorgensen, Laessoe, Hendriksen, Nielsen, & Aagaard, 2013), decreasing depressive symptoms, as well as improving cognitive performance and mental healthrelated quality of life (Rosenberg et al, 2010).…”