Balancing different fitness levels in competitive exergames based on heart rate and performance

Aslihan Tece Bayrak, Rahul Kumar, Jak Tan, Devon AhMu, Jordan Hohepa, Lindsay A. Shaw, Christof Lutteroth, Burkhard C. Wünsche

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    13 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Combining exercises with game elements (exergaming) is a promising approach to increase physical activity of users not intrinsically motivated to exercise. Multiplayer games are particularly promising, since they add a social (competitive or collaborative) component. However, exercising together can become frustrating if users have vastly different abilities. In this paper, we review existing approaches for balancing differing physical abilities of players in competitive exergames, and based on this, we propose a novel exertion-based balancing formula. In contrast to previous work, we evaluate exertion-based balancing formulas with a moderately complex gameplay and show that it results in closer competitive gameplay and a more enjoyable game experience. The proposed formula can be applied to a wide variety of exergames and has the potential to increase compliance and long-term use of exergames.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 29th Australian Computer-Human Interaction Conference
    Subtitle of host publicationHuman-Nature, OzCHI 2017
    EditorsMargot Brereton, Dhaval Vyas, Alessandro Soro, Bernd Ploderer, Jenny Waycott, Ann Morrison
    PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM)
    Pages210-217
    Number of pages8
    ISBN (Electronic)9781450353793
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 28 Nov 2017
    Event29th Australian Computer-Human Interaction Conference, OzCHI 2017 - Brisbane, Australia
    Duration: 28 Nov 20171 Dec 2017

    Publication series

    NameACM International Conference Proceeding Series

    Conference

    Conference29th Australian Computer-Human Interaction Conference, OzCHI 2017
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityBrisbane
    Period28/11/171/12/17

    Keywords

    • Competitive gameplay
    • Exercise games
    • Exergames
    • Game balancing
    • Heart rate scaling
    • Motivation

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