The use of game modes to promote engagement and social involvement in multi-user serious games: a within-person randomized trial with stroke survivors

Pereira, Fábio; Bermúdez i Badia, Sergi; Jorge, Carolina; Cameirão, Mónica S.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.13/4447

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Authors

Pereira, Fábio

Bermúdez i Badia, Sergi

Jorge, Carolina

Cameirão, Mónica S.

Abstract(s)

Serious games are promising for stroke rehabilitation, with studies showing a positive impact on reducing motor and cognitive defcits. However, most of the evidence is in the context of single-user rehabilitation, and little is known concerning the impact in multi-user settings. This study evaluates the impact that diferent game modes can have on engagement and social involvement during a two-user game. Specifcally, we want to under stand the benefts of game modalities based on competition, co-activation, and collaboration and analyze the infu ence of diferent motor and cognitive defcits and personality traits. Methods: We developed a two-player setup—using tangible objects and a large screen interactive table—for upper limb rehabilitation purposes. We implemented a game that, while keeping the same basic mechanics, can be played in the three diferent modes (Competitive, Co-active, and Collaborative). We ran a within-person randomized study with 21 stroke survivors that were paired and played the game in its three versions. We used the Game Experi ence Questionnaire—Core Module to assess engagement and the Social Presence Module to assess Social Involve ment. For personality, motor, and cognitive function, users answered the International Personality Item Pool (short version), Fugl-Meyer Assessment—Upper Extremity, Modifed Ashworth Scale, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment, respectively. Results: The Collaborative mode promoted signifcantly more Behavioral Involvement. The Competitive mode pro moted more Flow and Challenge than the Co-active mode with participants with better cognitive performance, with low extraversion, or with higher motor skills. Participants with higher cognitive defcits reported more Competence with the Co-active mode. Conclusions: Our results indicate that, for multi-user motor rehabilitation settings, the collaborative mode is the more appropriate gaming approach to promote social involvement, showing a high potential for increasing adher ence and efectiveness of therapy. Additionally, we show that a player’s motor and cognitive ability and personality should be considered when designing personalized tasks for multiplayer settings.

Keywords

Game mode Serious games Engagement Social involvement Rehabilitation Stroke . Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.13/4447

Citation

Pereira, F., Bermúdez i Badia, S., Jorge, C., & Cameirão, M. S. (2021). The use of game modes to promote engagement and social involvement in multi-user serious games: a within-person randomized trial with stroke survivors. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 18(1), 1-15.