Raising Heart Rate with Dance Pad Based Computer Games

DOI: 10.5176/978-981-08-3190-5_454

Authors: Martin Masek, Philip Hingston, Matthew Carrigy and Liam Collins and Ken Nosaka

Abstract:

Floor-positioned computer game controllers that require movement of large muscles are well known, most commonly in the form used in the rhythm-based game Dance Dance Revolution. Studies of the health benefits of such devices are often reported in the context of using the controller to play a particular game. In this paper we take a different approach, analyzing the controller as an exercise device in its own right, and using the findings to implement an appropriate game prototype. Trials show that the game increases the heart rate of the players to the level recommended for health and physical fitness.