Objective: To create and test the usability of a smart device-based application that delivers a gamified exercise session specifically designed for people with early Parkinson’s disease (PD). To investigate the experiences of exergaming amongst people with early PD.

Background: Despite physical exercises being efficacious adjuncts to levodopa treatment in the control of PD motor symptoms, current PD management is largely clinic-based with adherence to home exercise programs posing a challenge.

Method: We designed a prototype of an application integrated with motion and heart rate (HR) sensors that delivers gamified aerobic exercises. There were 2 study visits. In the first session, participants tested a mock-up prototype and two commercial game consoles. Participants’ feedback on design and functionality collected via a semi-structured interview was used to refine the prototype. In the second session, participants played an improved version of the exergame for 30 minutes and completed a 15-question 4 point-Likert scale survey on safety, usability, game content and user satisfaction. Participants’ HR were monitored throughout. Modified ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected immediately after exergame. HR changes were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to investigate whether our application was able to deliver an effective cardiovascular workout. Responses to the usability questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Nine patients with early PD (HY stage ≤2) were recruited at a tertiary hospital through convenience sampling. All subjects (mean age, 62.8±7.4; 7 male) completed the first visit and 8 completed both sessions without adverse events. Participants felt safe doing the exergame (3.6/4); reported that the application was usable (3.1/4) and were satisfied with it (3.1/4). Overall, exergaming was perceived as enjoyable and motivating. There was a significant increase (22.9 bpm±5.4, p=0.012) in HR post exergame from baseline (80 bpm±9.4). The mean training HR as percentage of HR reserve was 29.8%±4.4, while the mean modified RPE was 5.5±2.2, indicating that participants were exercising at light to moderate intensity.

Conclusion: The results indicate that tailored aerobic exergaming is feasible in patients with early PD. Further study is warranted to investigate its clinical efficacy and feasibility as a home-based program.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/a-usability-study-of-an-exergame-application-for-parkinsons-disease/