Implementing Motivational Features for an Augmented Reality Game Encouraging Physical Activity for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Evidence shows lower physical activity (PA) levels in persons with an intellectual disability (ID) compared to the general population. Physical activity promotes multiple health benefits, such as prolonged life and reduced risk for obtaining various chronic diseases. There are numerous applications targeting increased physical activity for the general population, but these tend to be too complex to use, and have therefore not been adopted, by persons with ID. Exergames promote increased physical activity by utilizing the entertaining aspects of games as a motivator, and some research has been explicitly aimed toward providing such a platform for persons with ID. One application targeting increased PA levels in persons with ID is Sorterius. While Sorterius promotes PA during utilization, it is somewhat limited in providing motivational elements to its users, and an increase in motivational elements could greatly increase usage of the application. Therefore, the main goal of this project was to enhance the overall enjoyment of playing Sorterius. To reach this goal, the project utilized knowledge gained from a prior literature review assessing which game aspects persons with ID perceived as motivating. The project also relied on continuous discussion with experts in the field. The resulting design includes a customizable mascot where users can unlock new items for their mascot and an automated difficulty adjustment based on user performance. To evaluate the application, a usability test was conducted on two experts and six persons with ID for a duration of two weeks. Due to various reasons, we were only able to retrieve written consent from one of the persons with ID before submitting the thesis. Results from testing indicated a similar degree of usability as the previous version while providing an increased number of motivational elements towards its users. The new version was also tested on the intended users compared to the previous version.