Older Adults and Three-Dimensional Exergaming: Motivators and Barriers to Participation and Retention

Breanna M. Crane, Brittany F. Drazich, Janiece L. Taylor, Kyle D. Moored, Omar Ahmad, John W. Krakauer, Michelle C. Carlson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Cognitive and physical activity are important for daily functioning. However, limited research exists on the motivators and barriers associated with older adults participating and adhering to exergame studies that promote physical and cognitive activity. Our objective was to examine older adults' motivators and barriers to joining and completing a three-dimensional exergame study. Methods: Fourteen older adults who participated in the exergame study contributed to one of three focus group discussions. Inductive and deductive methods were used to analyze the qualitative data. Results: Motivators for joining were generativity, peer referrals, self-improvement, and curiosity. Accomplishment, immersion, and exercise were motivators for retention. Participants also cited the structured schedule and adaptive difficulty features as motivators for retention. Barriers to participation included frustration due to lack of level advancement and fatigue/pain during gameplay. Some (n = 3) reported camera tracking issues as a barrier. Unanticipated gender-based trends arose when examining perceptions of the study team's role and motivators for retention. Conclusion: These findings will inform future research strategies for participant recruitment, enrollment, and retention, in addition to providing insights into the design of motivating, enjoyable, and sustainable exergames for older adults.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)150-157
Number of pages8
JournalGames for Health Journal
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2023

Keywords

  • Cognitive activity
  • Exergames
  • Older adults
  • Physical activity
  • Qualitative methods
  • Technology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Rehabilitation
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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