Human factors of speed-based exergame controllers

Abstract

Exergame controllers are intended to add fun to monotonous exercise. However, studies on exergame controllers mostly focus on designing new controllers and exploring specific application domains without analyzing human factors, such as performance, comfort, and effort. In this paper, we examine the characteristics of a speed-based exergame controller that bear on human factors related to body movement and exercise. Users performed tasks such as changing and maintaining exercise speed for avatar control while their performance was measured. The exergame controller follows Fitts' law, but requires longer movement time than a gamepad and Wiimote. As well, resistance force and target speed affect performance. User experience data confirm that the comfort and mental effort are adequate as practical game controllers. The paper concludes with discussion on applying our findings to practical exergame design.

Play Mode Effect of Exergames on Subthreshold Depression Older Adults: A Randomized Pilot Trial

“…Several game studies examined the effects of exergames factors on attitudes, performance and physical conditions (O'Donovan et al, 2012;Park et al, 2014). However, to our knowledge, there is no particular study investigating the factors that influence the exergames' impacts on depression.…”

Joystick versus Mouse in First Person Shooters: Mouse Is Faster than Joystick

“…Trackball [8], thumb-stick, thumb-pad and gyro-sensors [9], gestures [10], tangible designs [11,12] and exercise promoting input devices in games [13,14,15] has also been explored for controlling games. Our first hypothesis was that the mouse will lead to faster target hitting compared to the joystick, as reported in [7].…”

Exergames for subthreshold depression among older adults

“…Lastly, a gap also exists in the lack of investigation in the potential factors that influence the effects of exergames. Several factors were highlighted in recent studies, such as design of controllers (Park et al, 2014b), exercise intensity (McNarry & Mackintosh, 2016), and avatar appearance (Li et al, 2014a). However, most of these factors associate either exerciser motivation or physical improvements of exergames.…”