Propuesta y validación de un método orientado al diseño de exergames terapéuticos desplegados en ambientes web y móviles.

Abstract

Since the 1950s-1960s, there has been a migration from physical games to the virtual world, all thanks to technological advances. In addition to recreational and entertainment games, categories have emerged focused on more serious goals, such as education, training, and therapy. Within this category, therapeutic exergames have emerged, which combine physical activity with playful and technological elements. Physical therapy, on the other hand, focuses on improving physical function and promoting the rehabilitation of individuals with various medical conditions. In this context, therapeutic exergames have become a valuable tool used by physiotherapists, forming part of their treatment plans, whether to improve muscle strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, etc. from the patients.

In the present document, TEXM is proposed, a method for the design of therapeutic exergames intended to be used in web and mobile environments. With the aim of designing therapeutic exergames that help health professionals.

To validate the feasibility of the proposed solution, a therapeutic exergame was created following the steps established in the TEXM method. Said exergame was tested with a sample of 10 domain experts. The results obtained in the case study suggest that the proposed method meets the objectives of supporting a therapeutic process established by a physiotherapist.