Complete Motion Control of a Serious Game against Obesity in Children

Childhood obesity is a major problem in most developed countries, with significant negative impacts on children´s health. A suggested method for reducing obesity, especially for children, are serious games. These could promote healthy eating and increased physical activity. Ideally, they should also increase energy expenditure during play, and not be a sedentary experience. In the preliminary work described here, we produced a demonstration serious game designed to combat childhood obesity. All user interaction for the game was supplied via movement using re-appropriated Wii input devices to maximize physical activity whilst playing. We describe the problems of implementing such an interface, in particular that of overlearning.