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ore
Dr Alasdair G Thin
Interactive Fitness and Exergaming Seminar
Sept 24, 2009. LIW, Birmingham, UK

The Problem...
Houston...eh...
Yes...Mr Alien?
eh...You appear to have a problem?
We do?
Houston. You have a wardrobe malfunction!

Exercise is a Hard Sell !!!
Quality Frog

Promoting Positive
Health Behavior Change
Persuasive Message
(“Exercise is Good for You!”)
Perceived Future Reward
Persuasive Interactive
Experience
Immediate Real Reward

Who is Setting the Agenda?
personalized health
program
fun incentive
physical challenges
also features trivia
games, hints and tips
learn everything you
need to know about
proper nutrition and
working out
www.touchgenerations.com myhealthcoach.uk.ubi.com

Games & Hierachy of Needs
Self-Actualization
Human History
Esteem
Belonging
Safety
Physiological

Science Fiction?

21st Century Reality

Games Eras
MatthiasKabel
az1172
Ancient Modern Digital

Eat Longer
Clover_1

Snacking Kills!!!
sean dreilinger djwhelan Wallabee
+ ↓ =
Andrew_B blythe_d Martin LaBar
Snack Extrinsic Reward Intrinsic Reward

Move Well

Make Sure Tools are Up to the Job!
mrlerone adamant
X X

Laboratory Measurements

Energy Expenditure
- not all ExerGames are Equal
?
R
J
A
W

Live More
Earl - What I Saw 2.0

Magic Circle of Games
antonioperezrio.es

Live More - ExerGames
BeFitt
BeFitt
gamercize

Maximizing Human Performance
Skill
Stamina
Mental

eSports
"If you want to be at the top of your game, it is important to not only keep mentally
sharp, but also physically. This is due to the fact that quick reflex's are a must, and
the fitter you are - the better reaction times you will get." A Pro-Gamer
“A human activity capable of achieving a result requiring physical exertion and/or
physical skill which, by its nature and organisation, is competitive and is generally
accepted as being a sport.” Australian Sports Commission

Supportive Environments
Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (WHO, 1986)
Strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity
related health issues (European Commission, 2007)
Call to create “Supportive Environments” (i.e. Physical)
Prevention Education Empowerment
What about a
“Supportive Digital Environment” ?
Readily developed
Lower cost
Scaleable to population level

Supportive Digital Environment
Contemplation Preparation
Maintenance Action

Game Over

Contact
Championing Exertion in the Digital Games Era
Dr Alasdair G Thin, BSc, PhD
a.g.thin@hw.ac.me.uk
www.gamersizescience.org