Kinematically Adaptive Exergames: Personalizing Exercise Therapy Through Closed-Loop Systems

Exergaming research has identified the potential of using game elements as part of a training routine for exercise promotion. The high levels of motivation provided by Exergames as well as the reduced costs of modern interactive technologies have allowed a more extended adoption of this technology. Nevertheless, personalization is still a big issue since it is a key factor to improve Exergaming effectiveness. This paper contemplates the theoretical and practical notions of a kinematically adaptive framework for Exergames that uses off-the-shelf motion trackers to collect kinematic data during gameplay and creates real-time adaptations based on specific movement patterns. The framework consists of three modules for data collection, analysis, and translation that work together in a closed-loop system capable of adapting the motor behavior of players to desirable states via providing timely feedback and modulations of game parameters during training sessions. We discuss the importance of the kinematically adaptive framework in the Exergaming field and propose methodologies for its implementation.