An Analog Game-Based Intervention and a Playability Analysis in the Elderly - A Pilot Study

Dara Pincegher; Marlene Rosa; Emanuel Silva; Roberta Frontini

doi:10.24140/ijgsi.v1.n2.02

Dara Pincegher Polytechnic of Leiria - Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5609-4147
Marlene Rosa Polytechnic of Leiria - Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8276-655X
Emanuel Silva Polytechnic of Leiria - Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4421-5508
Roberta Frontini Polytechnic of Leiria - Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare); CIEQV-Life Quality Research Centre, Polytechnic of Leiria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1253-7660

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24140/ijgsi.v1.n2.02

Keywords: Aging, Recreation therapy, Recreational games

Abstract

Introduction: Gamed-based interventions (GBI) in old people is an interesting topic for aging-well purposes, however, few studies exist focused on the assessment of multimodal interactive experience (emotions, skills, engagement, etc), and most of them used digital games. Therefore, validation of analog GBIs, when implemented in the geriatric field, should be completed with a playability analysis.
Aim: To characterise a multicomponent playability analysis, considering (i) emotional state changes, and (ii) the perceived experience during the implementation of an analog gamed-based short-term intervention in the institutionalized elderly person.
Method: A pre and post-test study was conducted during four weeks of intervention through an analogue game. Participants were elderly people institutionalised in a Residential Home for the Elderly in the central region of Portugal. Playability is assessed before and after the sessions with analogue games, using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (0-10) of emotions and a questionnaire about participants’ perceptions of game-based experience.
Results: Thirteen elderly people (9 women/4 men) with a mean age of 80±9.32 years participated in the study. A total of 48 states of tiredness/excitement, calmness/anxiety, and sadness/joy were recorded: 44,4% of participants increased their level of excitement; 66,7% decreased their level of excitement. The serious aims of the game were well perceived while maintaining the perception of the playful and fun character.
Conclusion: The positive emotional changes in the elderly might be a sign of self-perceived novelty and challenge in the game. A good perception of the serious purpose of the game is associated with a positive emotional state, which encourages the adoption of proficiency feedback mode in the game. This pilot study was a relevant contribution to the continuing progression of playability analysis in elderly therapeutic contexts.

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Author Biographies

Dara Pincegher, Polytechnic of Leiria - Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare)

She graduated in Physiotherapy in 2020 from the prestigious Fundação Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB) and is currently (2023) attending a master’s degree in Physiotherapy with a Specialization in Physiotherapeutic Prescription of Exercise at the Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal. Her dedication to the study of women’s health is evident, having written a dissertation focused on the “perception of women living in São José-Rio do Oeste about female sexual dysfunction”. This research was subsequently presented at the 7th Inspirar International Congress of Pelvic Physiotherapy. As a reflection of her commitment to educating and helping those facing chronic pain, she co-wrote and edited the e-book “21 days learning to cope with chronic pain”. Her professional career focuses on research and rehabilitation of patients with chronic pain.

Marlene Rosa, Polytechnic of Leiria - Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare)

Completed the Ph.D. in Sciences and Health Technologies (2015, University of Aveiro), Master in Motor Development (2008, University of Porto) and Bacharelor in Physiotherapy ( 2005 by University of Aveiro). Is Adjunct Teacher in Polytechnic Institute of Leiria and Executive Manager in AGILidades,Inc (Spin-Off from Polytechnic Institute of Leiria). Published more than 30 articles in international journals. Has 1 patent and 4 trademarks registered. Participated in more than 40 national and international congresses or conferences. Has received 13 awards and/or honours. Participates as a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) in 5 funding project(s) and as a Principal investigator in 4 projects. Works in the area(s) of Medical and Health Sciences with emphasis on the implementation of gamification as educational and therapeutic intervention resources.

Emanuel Silva, Polytechnic of Leiria - Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare)

He has a master’s degree in Exercise Prescription and Health Promotion (2022) and a degree in Sport and Well-being (2020). During his academic career, he has had the opportunity to take part in 3 scientific grants, ranging from a scientific initiation grant, aiming to create and implement serious games to train transversal competencies in university students on a Health course - Gym2beKind. Currently, he is a fellowship dedicated to the preparation of tourist destinations for people with dementia and their carers - Tourism Dementia Friendly. His areas of work and interest focus on music therapy, gamification as a therapeutic source, and frail populations. He is currently attending the 4th year of the Physiotherapy course at the Escola Superior de Saúde de Leiria (2023).

Roberta Frontini, Polytechnic of Leiria - Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare); CIEQV-Life Quality Research Centre, Polytechnic of Leiria

Roberta Frontini has a European Ph.D. from the Inter-University Ph.D. Program in Clinical and Health Psychology by the University of Coimbra and the University of Lisbon (approved unanimously with distinction and honour). Roberta did research at the Loughborough University London for three months. She has published articles in specialized journals with impact factor. Although her main work is in the area of Psychology, she extensively collaborates in multidisciplinary projects in the scientific area of health and wellbeing. At the present moment she works at the Hospital Cruz Vermelha and at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Lisboa.