Go Dance with Sega's Free Mobile App #Exergaming

Sega America released a free iOS mobile #exergame app called Go Dance in September 2013 but this weeks its free, so grab it before it goes back to $1.99. Using the iOS device camera and Extreme Reality's Extreme Motion SDK, Go Dance detects the players movements and awards points on how accurate the moves were to the game's sequence.

Exergaming Points @ Ponder (ExP2P)

• One of the screenshots says that Go Dance is the world's first Dance game for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch devices with cameras, but its not the only one. Konami released their version a while back called DDR Pocket Edition but instead of using the camera, the iOS device has to be held while dancing in order to detect steps roughly in time with the DDR arrows scrolling on screen.
• Given the two different games, I would lean in favor of using the camera option with Go Dance as holding the device while danceing is just waiting for a disaster to happen...especially with students.
• It would be great to use your own songs to dance to and choreograph your own moves like in Exergame Station.
• Judging by the number of ratings, Sega Go Dance has nearly 1000 ratings whereas Konami's DDR Pocket Edition has only 13, it appears the "people have spoken".....especially considering Pocket Edition is a free app.

Check out after the jump for the rest of the screenshots.

Moving More With @TouchMagix Wall in India

If there's one place where exergaming is definitely a good alternative to just sitting, its in a fast-food restaurant. Using a TouchMagix Interactive Wall (Full Disclosure: I am on Advisory Board Member to Exergame Fitness/Motion Fitness), content was specifically created for a McDonald's in India. From Rock 'N Fries, to Enjoy Party with a Coke, players need to move their Rockin' Ronnie to collect the falling objects (on screen).  I'm not one to advocate going to a fast-food restaurant and supporting food advertising to children, but if a parent has already brought you there to eat..... as long as you're there...you might as well get a little more activity.

Exergaming Points 2 Ponder (ExP2P)

• Looking at the videos, it appears that the players are really close to the screen and I'm wondering if the sensor could be placed further back so that they won't have to have their neck/head in the extended position looking up the wall to see the objects.

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Click here to explore more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving research studies. 

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Pavigym 3.0 #Exergaming Fitness Center

Watching the Pavigym 3.0 demo on Exergame Fitness YouTube Channel (Full Disclosure: I am on Advisory Board Member to Exergame Fitness/Motion Fitness) it really looks like an exciting product for fitness centers but could also be easily adapted to schools. Both health and skill-related fitness areas can be targeted (e.g. reaction time, speed, agility, cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, etc...). I can't wait to try this out and see how I respond to the different floor & wall sensors and how the tablet app coordinates multiple input devices.

Exergaming Points 2 Ponder (ExP2P)

• Seeing the trainer program and monitor the details of each exercise/game/area, I'm wondering if this data and feedback is automatically charted to a person's fitness profile and viewable online, and whether or not they plan to use gamification tools like leaderboards, challenges, and awards.

Check out after the jump for more photos of Pavigym (from Pavigym & Exergame Fitness)

DanceEvolution Arcade #Exergame

Although not a new product from Konami, DanceEvolution ARCADE is essentially the same as the US Kinect Xbox-based Dance Masters exergame.

Exergaming Points 2 Ponder (ExP2P)

• Not using a dance pad like DDR, it would seem playing the arcade and the console versions would be nearly identical. This is good because the moves and gameplay would be similar and easier to improve skill, stamina, and confidence.
• Its clear from the videos, the dancers are are auto-generated or simply duplicated from the main dancer. Very different from the more complex motion-capture (high-res) dancers seen in Just Dance and Dance Central.
• It appears that the arcade uses Kinect sensor, but I can't seem to find out for sure.
• Although it appears Konami has an Arcade Championship, it doesn't look anything like Positive Gaming's Machine Dance Championships or ITG Championships

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Click here to explore more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving research studies. 

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JukeNbox Arcade #exergame

Developed by Studio 41, The Juke"n"Box (Juke in a Box or Juke and Box) is an attraction that mixes touch sensitive pads like Fit Interactive 3 Kick and Touchwall but within a confined space. Can't wait to try this out!

Exergaming Points 2 Ponder (ExP2P)

• Would be great to control other sounds from other machines.
• Might be a sensory overload for those with sensory issues (ASD)
• Lots of feedback using visual and auditory cues.

jukenbox short video - YouTube: ""

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Cardiovascular and Affective Outcomes of #exergaming (active gaming) using Wii

Testing college students using the exergame Wii Sports (Tennis, Boxing, Cycling, and Step), researchers at the University of Florida evaluated energy expenditure and enjoyment against typical treadmill walking and stationary cycling. Participants completed 20-minute sessions for each of the 6 activities but were grouped according to their level of previous exercise backgrounds (high-intensity vs. low-intensity).

Exergaming Points 2 Ponder (ExP2P)

• Although this study found that boxing was a potentially useful training tool for a CV workout, it fails to address the fact that as a "game" there is not much incentive (or story) to immerse the game player for long periods of time.
• Higher enjoyment levels was been seen in many other studies, but as mentioned above sustaining these levels and challenging them in a constant state of "flow" is difficult on this platform. This is why we tend to see little changes in overall activity and fitness levels when only using one exergame title.
• What would happen if you played the games while on a treadmill or cycle? These alternative playing styles would definitely alter the order of the current study's findings and be more in line with some other products like Gamercize. 

Concluding Thoughts
Although studies like these are pouring out over the research literature, we need to really consider alternate protocols that take into consideration the nature in which games are played and the technology that can support theoretically sound research designs.

Click here to explore more of ExerGame Lab's archived posts involving research studies.