Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The positive effects of physical exercise are commonly known. Even small
amounts of daily physical activity can strengthen a sense of good physical health.
Physical exercise affects also mental health. It results in a heightened sense of
wellbeing, with or without a relationship with characteristics of physical fitness. In
addition to mental forces, it also increases social capabilities.
Depression among older people, which is often an unfortunate consequence of
isolation, has already become a significant problem in Europe. Sometimes it can lead to
institutionalized care. Investigations show that physical exercise strengthens the
essential components of a mentally healthy human being: self-confidence, self-
appreciation and self-assertion. Depression has also been both prevented and treated
with physical exercise.
Various service concepts have been developed for mobile applications that
encourage people to “exergame”, to practise physical exercise whilst using an
entertaining application, e.g. a game. “Exergaming” means combining physical activity
and instrumental playing. This kind of playing is also called physical playing, body
gaming, technically supported physical activity and fitness gaming. Examples of
exergaming are dance games, camera-controlled games, simulator games, and location-
information mobile games.
Motivation plays a significant role in continuing to exercise. Rather than being a
spontaneous behaviour carried out for fun and challenge, exercise is often
accomplished for extrinsic reasons such as improved fitness or appearance. However,
such extrinsic motives often fail to sustain exercise activity over a longer period of time.
Furthermore, intrinsic motivation (such as enjoyment and competence) remains a
critical factor in sustained physical activity. In this respect, the exercise undertaken
must be enjoyable and possibly even fun if the person is to continue with it for any
length of time. As people form a harmonic unity of physical, psychological and social
elements, social interaction is also a strong motive to take part in an activity.
Our world is becoming more and more technical. At workplaces and even during
leisure time, basic computer skills are frequently needed. Along with this development,
the threshold of including technological solutions also to regular physical activity is
becoming lower all the time. Mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) are
small enough to be carried personally when e.g. walking or running, and the new
features of mobile phones that include always-on online access can be used to enrich
different fitness applications.
Wearable technology is developing rapidly and will definitely lead to new aspects
in physical exercise and also entertainment. Along with general pedometers,
cyclometers and pulse meters, new generation sportswear will be designed to measure
and give feedback on the user's heart rate, skin temperature and breathing frequency. In
a game, the clothing could change its colour, form or temperature according to user
action in a game. Game manufacturers have noticed the potential of physical gaming
and are constantly bringing new kinds of equipment onto the market. The thought of
combining entertainment and exercise is generally approved and it is one of the most
important aspects that will determine the popularity of these games. To become popular,
exercise-game needs to be interesting and attractive and to have the right price and
users should be aware about the usefulness of exercise gaming. It also needs to respond
to players' consumer habits.
Different research studies have been carried out related to exercise and wellbeing
solutions to develop:
