Adaptive exergames to support active aging: An action research study

Leisure physical activities help older adults remain physically active. Playing exergames can help promote active aging. However, the movements and exercise supported in these games must be adapted to the particular physical conditions of each older adult to facilitate adoption and adherence. This paper presents a study following the Action Research methodology that is aimed at understanding how the exertion experience in commercial exergames can be personalized to the individual condition of each older adult. We conducted two interventions (n1=18,n2=50) lasting 32 and 24 weeks. Based on the results of the first intervention, we proposed a set of design recommendations that were validated with a larger and more heterogeneous group in a second intervention. Participation and retention increased in both interventions as the recommendations were applied.