An investigation of user acceptance and flow experience using video-capture gaming technology for exercise

The aims of this study were to investigate the user acceptance of exercise using the IREX™ Interactive Rehabilitation and Exercise system (a video-capture gaming environment) in comparison with exercise in a gym-based environment; and to compare users' flow experience - absorption in the activity - using the two exercise environments. A convenience sample of 18 healthy men and 20 healthy women, mean age 34 (1SD 12.8) years, with sedentary lifestyles were recruited from university staff and students. Participants were randomised into two groups - IREX™ (n = 19) or gym-based exercise (n=19). Both groups took part in three exercise sessions over two weeks. Apart from a greater Performance Expectancy with IREX, there were no significant differences in user acceptance and flow experience between the two environments. These results show IREX™ to be an acceptable alternative to gym-based exercise

Exergaming (XBOX Kinect™) versus traditional gym-based exercise for postural control, flow and technology acceptance in healthy adults:a randomised controlled trial

Background - The use of exergaming is a potential alternative to traditional methods of balance training, which can be repetitive and somewhat monotonous. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of exergaming using XBOX Kinect™ versus traditional gym-based exercise with no virtual stimuli (TGB) on postural control, technology acceptance, flow experience and exercise intensity, in young healthy adults. Methods - Fifty healthy active adults (age: 33.8 ± 12.7 years, height: 172.9 ± 11.9 cm, weight: 75 ± 15.8 kg) were recruited; 44 completed both baseline and post-intervention data collection. Participants were randomised (blind card) allocation to one of two groups: (1) received balance training using the XBOX Kinect™ and (2) performed traditional gym-based exercise. Exercises were matched for intensity, duration and movement patterns across groups. All participants completed three, 30-minute, exercise sessions a week for four weeks. Postural sway was measured using a Kistler™ Force platform during unipedal standing. Mean heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during each exercise session to determine and verify that intensity of exercise was matched between groups. Technology acceptance was measured with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and flow experience with the Flow State Scale (FSS). Results - Heart rate was matched between groups and BORG RPE was significantly lower in the Kinect™ group. There were significant between-group differences in postural sway in the medial-lateral direction and CoP. There were also significant differences in technology acceptance between groups for performance expectancy, social influence and behavioral intention, with higher values in the Kinect exercise group. The flow state scale showed significant differences between the groups on several dimensions, with higher values in the Kinect exercise group. Conclusion - Objective physiological demand of exercise (HR) was matched across groups, but the exergaming group perceived it as being less demanding and of lower intensity. This suggests that exergaming may offer an alternative method of rehabilitation exercise through improved concordance. Balance training in healthy adults using the Kinect is both accepted and intrinsically motivating

The effects of exergaming on balance, gait, technology acceptance and flow experience in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Exergaming is a promising new alternative to traditional modes of therapeutic exercise which may be preferable and more effective for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Impaired balance is reported as one of the most disabling aspects of MS. The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of exergaming on: (1) postural sway, (2) gait, (3) technology acceptance and (4) flow experience in people with MS. Secondary outcomes were disability: 12‐item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) questionnaire. METHODS: Fifty-six adults (mean age = 52 years, SD = 5.8; 38 women) with a clinical diagnosis of MS and able to walk 100 meters with or without use of a walking aid were included in this study and randomized into 3 groups. Group 1 received balance training using the Nintendo Wii Fit™ (exergaming) and Group 2 undertook traditional balance training (non-exergaming). Group 3 acted as a control group, receiving no intervention. Exergaming and traditional balance training groups received four weeks of twice weekly balance-orientated exercise. Postural sway was measured using a Kistler™ force platform. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait were measured using a GAITRite™ computerised walkway. Technology acceptance and flow experience were measured using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and the Flow State Scale questionnaires, respectively. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in bipedal postural sway in both intervention groups when compared to the control group; and no effects of either intervention on gait. There were no significant differences between the interventions in technology acceptance but on several dimensions of flow experience the Wii Fit™ was superior to traditional balance training. Both interventions showed improvements in disability compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of the physical effects of exergaming, the Wii Fit™ is comparable to traditional balance training. These findings would support the use of the Wii Fit™ as an effective means of balance and gait training for people with MS, which is both accepted and intrinsically motivating to MS users. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Controlled Trials ISRCTN13924231

A randomised crossover trial comparing Thai and Swedish massage for fatigue and depleted energy

SUMMARY\ud Background\ud The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and social constructions of Thai\ud massage (TM) and Swedish massage (SM) for patients experiencing fatigue or\ud depleted energy.\ud Method\ud Twenty participants were randomised to receive three once-weekly TM treatments\ud and three once-weekly SM treatments, with crossover after three massages.\ud Symptom checklists were administered at three time points and included\ud Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List and VAS Scale. Qualitative data\ud were collected through semi-structured interviews and participants’ diary entries.\ud Results\ud Both massage types enhanced physical, emotional and mental wellbeing through\ud improved sleep, relaxation, relief of stress and relief of muscular tension. TM\ud alone showed specific energising and psychological stimulation results, along with\ud carry-over effect and longer lasting benefits. Ninety-five percent of participants\ud found relief from their initial reason presenting symptoms\ud Conclusion\ud TM or SM can relieve symptoms of fatigue or low energy by releasing stress,\ud promoting relaxation, relieving muscular aches and pains and improving energy.\ud SM results in a larger effect in relaxation and improved sleep whereas TM results\ud in a larger effect in energising, rejuvenating and mentally stimulating effects.\ud Keywords: Complementary Therapies; Therapy, Soft Tissue; Massage; Cross-\ud Over Studie