Promoting Physical Activity in People with Functional Diversity through a Multiplayer Musical Game

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) performed in group can slow down the decline in motor functions in people with disabilities. With this objective, Interactive Rehab Orchestra (IRO) was developed. IRO is an interactive multiplayer musical game that looks for reducing sedentary lifestyles by promoting PA. The individuals are responsible for playing the melody correctly. To do that, they must perform a movement when the on-screen avatar reaches a certain area. If the action is not performed, the melody will stop playing for a certain time interval. IRO is highly configurable, allowing the controller to be adapted to player skills. The customization of melodies and images is also possible according to the players’ preferences, which helps to enhance player engagement. In addition, a configurable color code allows identifying when to perform an action. IRO incorporates a statistical summary to assess the evolution of the user. In this way, IRO aims at encouraging PA through music to maintain/improve muscle tone and the subjects’ mobility, quantifying PA intensity, in relation to motor skills, and promoting PA so that participants can adhere to a specific program with long-term follow-up.