Differences in Physiological Reactions Due to a Competitive Rehabilitation Game Modality

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation technology
• Human-computer interaction
• Physiological computing

Background:

• Interpersonal rehabilitation games enhance motivation and intensity compared to single-player modes.
• Dynamic adaptation of game difficulty is crucial, especially for patients with varying skill levels.
• Current adaptation algorithms often overlook patient condition, relying solely on performance metrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore changes in physiological responses specifically due to social interaction in a competitive game modality.
• To investigate the impact of interpersonal dynamics on physiological reactions during rehabilitation gaming.
• To inform the development of more responsive and engaging rehabilitation game systems.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving ten unimpaired participants, organized into five pairs.
• Comparison of physiological responses across different game sessions: single-player, virtual competitor, and competitive multiplayer.
• Data collection focused on physiological reactions during these distinct gaming conditions.

Main Results:

• A significant difference in physiological responses was observed in the competitive multiplayer mode compared to the single-player mode, attributed to the interpersonal interaction.
• Physiological changes were directly linked to the social dynamics of the competitive game, not just performance.
• Participant feedback highlighted the need for sustained difficulty to maintain engagement and perceived reward.

Conclusions:

• Social interaction in competitive rehabilitation games elicits distinct physiological responses.
• Incorporating social dynamics is key for effective difficulty adaptation and enhanced engagement in rehabilitation gaming.
• Future systems should consider physiological data alongside social interaction metrics for personalized rehabilitation.