Evaluation of BehaviourCoach – An Exergaming Mobile Application Adapted for Mauritius

Abstract

There is evidence that the lack of physical activity and unhealthy nutrition are among the major contributing factors to health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. BehaviourCoach is a mobile application developed using an in-house framework which proposes an adaptation of the world-famous Monopoly boardgame incorporating exergaming features. BehaviourCoach includes features to promote sustainable behaviour changes in terms of increased physical exercise and healthier nutrition among participants. Following the development of a first application based on the framework, this paper focuses on its evaluation in terms of usability and perceived impact on individuals. A randomized controlled trial intervention involving sixty (n = 60) participants was undertaken during which data was gathered through questionnaires, observation and interviews. Participants perceived the application as easy to engage with and more importantly, BehaviourCoach had a positive impact on their level of physical exercises, which was more pronounced among those who were less physically engaged prior to the intervention.