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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
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Measuring the Kinematics of Daily Living Movements with Motion Capture Systems in Virtual Reality
Published on: April 5, 2018
Exploring children's movement characteristics during virtual reality video game play.
Danielle Levac1, Michael R Pierrynowski, Melissa Canestraro
1School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Institute for Applied Health Sciences, 1400 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. levacde@mcmaster.ca
Human Movement Science
|August 21, 2010
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) gaming systems like the Nintendo Wii offer potential in pediatric rehabilitation. Movement quantity and quality vary significantly between VR games, with experience enhancing movement quantity in specific games.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Movement science
- Human-computer interaction
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) video gaming systems are increasingly used in pediatric rehabilitation.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the movement characteristics during VR gameplay.
- This study addresses the gap in knowledge concerning movement quantity and quality during VR gameplay in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe movement quantity and quality during Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit gameplay.
- To explore differences in movement characteristics between games and player experience levels.
- To investigate the impact of motivation on movement characteristics during gameplay.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-eight children (aged 7-12) with varying game experience played Wii (boxing, tennis) and Wii Fit (ski slalom, soccer heading) games.
- Movement quantity was measured via center of pressure displacement using force plates.
- Movement quality was assessed through pelvic motion smoothness, and children self-reported motivation.
Main Results:
- Significant differences (p<.001) in movement quantity and quality were observed between different games.
- Children with prior Wii Fit experience showed increased movement quantity (p<.001) during Wii Fit gameplay; movement quality was comparable.
- Player motivation did not affect the relationship between game experience and movement outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Movement characteristics differ substantially across various virtual reality games.
- Player experience influences movement quantity, particularly in specific game genres.
- Findings support further research into VR's potential for enhancing motor skills in pediatric rehabilitation.
