An IoT Sensing Platform and Serious Game for Remote Martial Arts Training

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Internet of Things (IoT)

Background:

• Remote martial arts training increased due to the pandemic, highlighting the need for effective self-training tools.
• Accurate technique execution is crucial in martial arts for learning and injury prevention, especially for foundational stances like the horse stance (Mabu).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an IoT-based system (LifeMat) integrated with a Serious Game (Kung Future) for self-supported martial arts training.
• To assess the impact of game-based feedback on user performance, engagement, and motivation during martial arts practice.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel IoT pressure-sensitive mat (LifeMat) utilizing pressure mapping and pattern recognition.
• Implementation of a Serious Game (Kung Future) focusing on the Mabu stance, providing real-time feedback on technique execution.
• Conducting user studies with 14 participants across three feedback conditions to measure performance, duration, engagement, and motivation.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated significantly higher performance, longer training duration, increased engagement, and enhanced motivation when utilizing the game feedback.
• The LifeMat system effectively classified key martial arts postures and detected incorrect technique execution.

Conclusions:

• The integrated LifeMat and Kung Future system offers a promising solution for self-supported martial arts training, improving user outcomes.
• User feedback indicates strong potential for real-world application, long-term use, and scalability for general sports training.