Mariana Armando Lourenço, Tatiana de Paula Oliveira, Camila Souza Miranda, Matheus Silva d'Alencar, Thalita Gabriele Silva Santos, Judith E Deutsch, Maria Elisa Pimentel Piemonte
{"title":"Serious Game-Based Balance Training with Augmented Kinesthetic Feedback Enhances Aspects of Postural Control in Poststroke Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Mariana Armando Lourenço, Tatiana de Paula Oliveira, Camila Souza Miranda, Matheus Silva d'Alencar, Thalita Gabriele Silva Santos, Judith E Deutsch, Maria Elisa Pimentel Piemonte","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2023.0214","DOIUrl":"10.1089/g4h.2023.0214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Poststroke hemiparesis presents with motor asymmetry and decreased postural control leading to functional limitations. Serious games (SG) for balance rehabilitation of people with stroke may improve motor recovery, and the visual and auditory feedback provided by the SGs helps to explain the therapeutic benefits. However, the contribution of SG combined with kinesthetic and verbal cues during balance training has not been investigated. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two feedback conditions for an SG balance intervention, with or without the addition of kinesthetic and verbal cues, on balance performance of people with stroke. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Thirty people with chronic poststroke hemiparesis and balance impairment participated in this randomized controlled trial and performed 14 individual SG training sessions combined with kinesthetic and verbal cues provided by the physical therapist or with SG's feedback only. Outcomes were assessed before training (pre), 1 week after the end of training (post), and 8 weeks after the end of training, which were adopted as the follow-up period, using the Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Lower Limb Subscale of Fugl-Meyer, six-minute walk test, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The results showed that SG combined with kinesthetic and verbal cues improved outcomes relating to lower limb function and some balance domains (biomechanical constraints and limits of stability outcomes) better than with SG's feedback only. Both groups had similar significant improvement in quality of life and long-distance walking performance. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This study is the first to directly compare two feedback conditions for SG-based balance intervention. The addition of kinesthetic and verbal cues during the SG balance improved aspects of postural control better than without this form of feedback.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"221-232"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142741053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Robyn Gallagher, Lis Neubeck, Angus Davis, Julie Redfern, Helen M Parker, Karice Hyun, Clara Chow, David S Celermajer, Thomas Buckley, Tracy Schumacher, Geoffrey Tofler, Gemma Figtree
{"title":"A Self-Administered Gamified Mobile Application for Secondary Prevention of Heart Disease in Patients Following a Cardiac Event (MyHeartMate): Process Evaluation from a Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Robyn Gallagher, Lis Neubeck, Angus Davis, Julie Redfern, Helen M Parker, Karice Hyun, Clara Chow, David S Celermajer, Thomas Buckley, Tracy Schumacher, Geoffrey Tofler, Gemma Figtree","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0174","DOIUrl":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i><b>Objective:</b></i> This study reports the process evaluation of a randomized controlled trial of the MyHeartMate app for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). <i><b>Materials and Methods:</b></i> Data were collected on engagement in the intervention group from the app platform logs and self-reported usage and via interviews for perspectives of usefulness and acceptability. Participants' (<i>n</i> = 194) data logs showed 80.4% entered baseline data. Tracking (≥30 days) occurred for body mass index (23.2%), blood pressure (BP) (21.1%), and exercise (23.7%). Missions completed on ≥4 days were 47.5% for healthy eating and 30.9% for exercise; 50.5% used the word game. One quarter (26.8%) was classified as \"engaged\" (tracked exercise and/or BP ≥5 times and completed ≥18 missions in the first 30 days). There were no differences between participants who were \"engaged\" or not in baseline characteristics or 6-month outcomes, although engaged users were more likely to meet 4/5 recommended risk factor guideline levels (30.8% vs. 17.6%, <i>P</i> = 0.03). <i><b>Results:</b></i> Participants perceived tracking, prompts, and rewards as useful for recovery and risk factor-related lifestyle change, and games were enjoyed. Engagement decreased with time. Acceptability was limited when app processes were difficult to understand, not personalized enough and/or the overall game concept was disliked. <i><b>Conclusions:</b></i> Insight into user's perceptions and use of gamified app components is essential to address barriers to uptake and optimize potential health benefits. The target audience for a serious game app for CHD remains uncertain.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"204-211"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142717465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heather Leutwyler, Erin Hubbard, Theo Bussell, Dennys Balestra, Bruce Cooper, Richard B Souza, Gary Humfleet
{"title":"A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multicomponent Smoking Cessation Intervention for Adults with Serious Mental Illness.","authors":"Heather Leutwyler, Erin Hubbard, Theo Bussell, Dennys Balestra, Bruce Cooper, Richard B Souza, Gary Humfleet","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2023.0160","DOIUrl":"10.1089/g4h.2023.0160","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Combined behavioral- and pharmacological-based tobacco cessation interventions are effective for adults with serious mental illness; yet, they continue to smoke at alarming rates. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> A pilot two-arm randomized controlled trial of the program consisted of 50 minutes of game-based groups 3×/week, for 12 weeks alongside counseling and pharmacotherapy. The intervention group engaged in game-based group physical activity (PA), while the control group engaged in sedentary games. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Multilevel regression analyses were used to examine the primary aims. Mean number of cigarettes smoked per week (cig/wk) for the sample (<i>n</i> = 48) at enrollment was 56.3 cigarettes. The linear change was significant at 2.9 fewer cig/wk. The average psychiatric symptom score at enrollment for the PA group was 41.5 points with a significant predicted linear decrease in scores. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Both study groups showed a significant reduction in cig/wk. The combination of counseling and pharmacotherapy offered in groups may have aided with cessation and cigarette reduction while also providing a benefit to mental health.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"242-250"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142717463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lihong Ou, Angela Chia-Chen Chen, Elizabeth Reifsnider, Michael Todd, Ashish Amresh, Chung Jung Mun
{"title":"Empowering Unvaccinated Youth: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Efficacy of a COVID-19 Serious Game-Based Intervention.","authors":"Lihong Ou, Angela Chia-Chen Chen, Elizabeth Reifsnider, Michael Todd, Ashish Amresh, Chung Jung Mun","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0011","DOIUrl":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> To evaluate a serious game-based intervention's feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in encouraging coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination among 11-14-year-olds in the United States and assess participant experiences. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> The study, grounded in social cognitive theory and health belief model, recruited and engaged 32 English-speaking parent-child dyads with unvaccinated youths via snowball sampling and social media outreach. These dyads were randomly assigned to either the COVID-19 serious game-based intervention group (<i>n</i> = 16) or a usual care group (<i>n</i> = 16). The study measured beliefs, self-efficacy, and intentions regarding vaccination using surveys before and after the intervention, with follow-up at 2 months to evaluate vaccine uptake. Semistructured interviews provided insights into the gaming experience and study process. <b><i>Results:</i></b> All 32 eligible parent-youth dyads (16 in each group) completed the study with full participation. Most participants were Black or African American fathers, making up 75% and 81.3% of the intervention and control groups, respectively. The intervention impacted vaccine uptake, with 75% of the intervention group vaccinating their children compared with 37.5% of the control group [χ<sup>2</sup>(1, <i>n</i> = 32) = 4.57, <i>P</i> = 0.033]. Key factors for vaccine uptake included parents' motivation and youths' perceived susceptibility, with correlations of <i>r</i>(30) = 0.66, <i>P</i> = 0.006, and <i>r</i>(30) = 0.55, <i>P</i> = 0.029, respectively. The intervention reshaped youth perceptions about self and community protection. Participants expressed overall satisfaction with both the intervention and the study process. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable, with potential for integration into youth vaccination strategies to support COVID-19 vaccine decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"182-194"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142366934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Erin K O'Loughlin, Catherine M Sabiston, Teodora Riglea, Mounia Naja, Mathieu Bélanger, Robert J Wellman, Marie-Pierre Sylvestre, Jennifer L O'Loughlin
{"title":"Natural Course and Predictors of Sustained Exergaming in Young Adults.","authors":"Erin K O'Loughlin, Catherine M Sabiston, Teodora Riglea, Mounia Naja, Mathieu Bélanger, Robert J Wellman, Marie-Pierre Sylvestre, Jennifer L O'Loughlin","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0021","DOIUrl":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> To describe the natural course of exergaming among young adults and identify predictors of sustained exergaming. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> To describe the natural course, we retained 592 participants from an ongoing longitudinal study with complete data on exergaming at four time points over 12-13 years between 2010-12 and 2023 (i.e., T1-T4 at mean ages 24.0, 30.6, 33.6, and 35.2, respectively). To identify predictors of sustained exergaming, we retained 228 participants with data on 27 potential predictors at T2 and data on exergaming at T2 and T3. The association between each potential predictor and sustained exergaming was examined as an independent study using multivariable logistic regression controlling for age, sex, and educational attainment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 592 participants, 41.3%, 34.1%, and 38.5% sustained exergaming from T1 to T2, from T2 to T3, and from T3 to T4, respectively. Only 3% of participants sustained exergaming from T1 to T4. Most participants reported light- or moderate-intensity exergaming at all time points. Higher levels of external pressure to engage in physical activity, encouragement from close friends to exercise, and taking breaks from sitting during a typical workday were each associated with lower odds of sustained exergaming. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Although exergaming is a popular activity among young adults, long-term sustained exergaming was rare. This may link to time constraints related to life transitions, evolving interests, changes in social circles, and shifting fitness goals among young adults. Research is needed to inform strategies that promote sustained exergaming and maximize its potential for positive impact among young adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"195-203"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12172641/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142477540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Azael J Herrero, Esther C Argente, Alfonso Lahuerta, Elvira Jensen-Casado, Miriam Herrero-Martín, José M Sacristán-Rodríguez, Elisa Bullón-Benito, Cristina Aldavero, Raquel Martínez-Sinovas
{"title":"Impact of Modern Board Games on Executive Functions and Quality of Life in the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Azael J Herrero, Esther C Argente, Alfonso Lahuerta, Elvira Jensen-Casado, Miriam Herrero-Martín, José M Sacristán-Rodríguez, Elisa Bullón-Benito, Cristina Aldavero, Raquel Martínez-Sinovas","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0195","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2024.0195","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> This study aimed to assess the effects of modern board games (MBG) on executive functions, quality of life, and volitional behaviors in elderly individuals residing in nursing homes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted in a nursing home with 30 participants (age = 83.2 years). Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG; <i>n</i> = 16) or the control group (CG; <i>n</i> = 14). The EG engaged in twice-weekly MBG sessions facilitated by trained professionals, while the CG continued with their usual activities without additional interventions. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG-R) and the Test of the Paths (TESEN). Quality of life was evaluated using the FUMAT scale, and volitional behaviors were measured using the Volitional Questionnaire. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The EG demonstrated significant improvements in executive functions, including comprehension (9.9%, <i>P</i> < 0.05), remote memory (22.6%, <i>P</i> < 0.05), and attention and calculation (83.3%, <i>P</i> < 0.05), as measured by the CAMCOG-R. No significant changes were observed in the TESEN test. The EG also showed significant gains in quality of life, with improvements in emotional well-being (5.0%, <i>P</i> < 0.01), interpersonal relationships (15.4%, <i>P</i> < 0.05), personal development (7.5%, <i>P</i> < 0.001), and social inclusion (6.3%, <i>P</i> < 0.001) on the FUMAT scale. Volitional behaviors, particularly competence (7.1%, <i>P</i> < 0.05), also improved significantly in the EG. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> MBG offer a promising nonpharmacological intervention to enhance executive functions, quality of life, and volitional behaviors in elderly individuals in nursing homes. The structured facilitation of these games, tailored to participants' cognitive levels, may support cognitive stimulation and foster social engagement in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andreia Maria Novo Lima, Maria Teresa Moreira, Maria Salomé Ferreira, Vítor Parola, Sandra Rodrigues, Jacinta Maria Pisco Alves Gomes, Ana Cristina Corucho Barbeitos Pinto, Maria Manuela Martins, Sara Moreira, Carla Sílvia Fernandes
{"title":"Efficacy of Nintendo Switch Rehabilitation Program for Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study.","authors":"Andreia Maria Novo Lima, Maria Teresa Moreira, Maria Salomé Ferreira, Vítor Parola, Sandra Rodrigues, Jacinta Maria Pisco Alves Gomes, Ana Cristina Corucho Barbeitos Pinto, Maria Manuela Martins, Sara Moreira, Carla Sílvia Fernandes","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0165","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2024.0165","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> To evaluate the effectiveness of Nintendo Switch videogames in promoting the rehabilitation of institutionalized older adults. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> This quasi-experimental study with a control group followed Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines to ensure methodological quality. The study included 27 institutionalized older adults aged 60 or over at risk of falling, with a Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) score of 19-28 points. The sample was divided into two groups: an intervention group with 14 participants and a control group with 13. An 8-week rehabilitation program was implemented, consisting of two weekly 60-minute sessions using Nintendo Switch Sport games. Each session included warming up and stretching. The instruments used were the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), POMA, Katz Index, Geriatric Depression Scale 15, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). <b><i>Results:</i></b> The sample was made up of 18.5% men and 81.5% women. Significant improvements in dynamic and static balance (POMA, <i>P</i> < 0.001), cognitive status (MoCA, <i>P</i> < 0.01), and independence (Katz, <i>P</i> < 0.05) were observed in the experimental group. Statistically significant differences were found between groups for MoCA (<i>P</i> < 0.05) and STAI (<i>P</i> < 0.05) at baseline and for Katz (<i>P</i> < 0.01) and STAI (<i>P</i> < 0.05) after the intervention. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The Nintendo Switch has proven effective in rehabilitating older adults and promoting active and healthy aging. Implementing exergames can improve balance, independence, and cognitive ability in older adult residents of nursing homes. Supervision by health care professionals is crucial to ensure safety and maximize therapeutic benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144081386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jürgen Pripfl, Thomas E Dorner, Christina Fastl, Christoph Gisinger
{"title":"Effects of a BikeRacer Computer Training on Multitasking Ability and Road Security in Older Bicycle Riders.","authors":"Jürgen Pripfl, Thomas E Dorner, Christina Fastl, Christoph Gisinger","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2024.0019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> To evaluate the effects of a 4-week \"BikeRacer-Multitasking\" computer-based training program on various outcomes, such as multitasking ability, and performance in complex situations on a bicycle exercise course, in comparison with two active control groups. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Randomized controlled study including 56 participants aged 65 years or older. The intervention group (IG) performed 4 weeks of training with the BikeRacer-Multitasking computer game, in which two tasks had to be carried out at the same time: steering a bicycle on a given path, reacting to a target stimulus as quickly as possible, and ignoring three further distractor stimuli. The first control group (CG1) trained with a version of the BikeRacer game without the multitasking component, and the second control group (CG2) played Sudoku. All three groups performed questionnaire-based psychometric performance tests and tasks on a real-life bicycle exercise course twice, before and after the intervention. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Processing speed improved significantly over time in all three groups. Selective attention (correct answers) significantly improved in the IG and CG1, but not in CG2 (<i>P</i> = 0.022 for the interaction). Multitasking ability and divided attention significantly improved in IG, decreased in CG1, and showed no change in CG2 (<i>P</i> = 0.005 for the interaction). All three groups showed significantly better performances in some of the multitasking components in the bicycle course after the training compared with before (no significant group interaction). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> BikeRacer-Multitasking game increased the multitasking ability of senior cyclists as well as their performance in complex situations of a bicycle exercise course.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143990672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development and Usability Testing of a 3D Virtual Simulation Game in Teaching Intravenous Fluid Therapy in Nursing Education.","authors":"Emine Kuruca Ozdemir, Leyla Dinc, Hasmet Gurcay","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0172","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2024.0172","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> To describe the gamification process of peripheral intravenous catheterization (PIVC) and intravenous fluid therapy (IFT) in nursing education and conduct usability testing of the 3D virtual simulation game. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> A 3D virtual simulation game was developed to teach PIVC and IFT based on the current literature, Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, and Schell's Elemental Tetrad. The game, IntraveNurseGame, had 11 stages, and it rewarded the players with score-based titles based on Benner's clinical competence stages. Usability testing was conducted with 17 participants, including 5 nursing experts and 12 senior nursing students. Heuristic evaluation with experts, think-aloud method, and user tests were performed using the Game Evaluation Questionnaire and GUESS-20-TR-Scale. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis were used. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Experts were satisfied with the game experience and had fun. The game met their expectations and could help the nursing students learn the subject. Experts provided suggestions, including visual similarity of some animations, instructions regarding how to use the mouse cursor, and encouragement for students to remember the steps of the actual procedure by removing the instructions from some stages. Users scored the GUESS-20-TR mean score above the moderate level (5.71 ± 0.90), showing they were satisfied with the gaming experience. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The 3D virtual simulation game had good usability features with some areas of improvement. The theories and elements used in this study can help nurse educators and researchers develop effective games and engaging game-rewarding systems. The usability testing provided valuable information for the games to be developed in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancing Cognition, Self-Efficacy, and Postural Control Skills of Persons with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Using Immersive Puzzle Video Games.","authors":"Jen-Suh Chern, Yu Yang, Chien-Chun Chu","doi":"10.1089/g4h.2024.0173","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2024.0173","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Players' engagement in video games is dependent on their level of immersion in the virtual gaming environment. Tabletop (TT) puzzle video games (PVGs), which are usually played in a sedentary posture and require upper limb motor skill, improve players' cognition and upper limb motor performance. Immersive PVGs, such as Angry Birds, have been created recently. These games are played in a standing mode and require the players to shift their center of gravity (COG) to achieve the gaming goals. Their task-oriented nature makes it possible for these video games to improve players' self-efficacy. However, there is a lack of research into the cognitive, upper and lower limb motor performance, capacity to shift the COG, that is, stability limit, and self-efficacy benefits of immersive PVGs played in standing mode. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> This study examined the effects of an immersive physics-based PVG (PBPVG), the Angry Birds, on cognition, motor outcomes, and self-efficacy. Immersive video games were developed in order to enable a high level of immersion and engagement. We hypothesized that following three sessions per week for 12 weeks of training, players would demonstrate improvements in cognition, upper and lower limb motor performance, stability limit, and self-efficacy. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A sample of 82 adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders recruited from two psychiatric rehabilitation units were assigned by lottery randomization to an experimental group or a control group (<i>n</i> = 41 respectively). Participants in the experimental group played Angry Birds in standing mode for three 50-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks. Processing speed and cognitive flexibility (two critical components of integrated cognition), upper and lower limb motor performance, stability limit, and self-efficacy were evaluated at baseline and at 12 weeks. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A repeated measures two-way analysis of variance revealed significant interaction effects (<i>P</i> = 0.021-<i>P</i> < 0.001) with medium to large effect sizes (<i>η<sub>p</sub><sup>2</sup></i> = 0.064-0.241) for stability limit and self-efficacy. Significant main effects <i>(P</i> < 0.001) with medium to large effect sizes (<i>η<sub>p</sub><sup>2</sup></i> = 0.095-0.277) for processing speed and upper and lower limb motor performance were found. The following simple main effects examined with one-way analysis of covariance showed significant improvement (<i>P</i> < 0.001) with medium to large effect sizes (<i>η<sub>p</sub><sup>2</sup></i> = 0.151-0.249) for stability limit and self-efficacy. A near significant difference (<i>P</i> = 0.063) with a near medium effect size (<i>η<sub>p</sub><sup>2</sup></i> = 0.040) showed improvement in cognitive flexibility, but nonsignificant improvement (<i>P</i> > 0.05) with a trivial effect size (<i>η<sub>p</sub><sup>2</sup></i> = 0.001) for processing speed and a small effect size (<i>η<sub>p</sub><sup>2</sup","PeriodicalId":47401,"journal":{"name":"Games for Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144021769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}