Exploration games played on a DDR pad can constitute beneficial physical exercise

The addition of an exercise component to computer games is a method that attempts to increase exercise compliance among the population. Various attempts at such games have been made, both commercially and as research projects, but the set of studied game mechanics that are both entertaining and provide beneficial exercise are relatively small. In our work, a game mechanic was designed for a floor-based input controller (DDR Pad). Rather than the standard mechanic usually employed for this device, our approach allows the player to explore a virtual world, requiring exertive movements on the input device in order to progress. The exercise is motivated implicitly through the game goals and a mechanism exists to control the pace of the game by monitoring the player´s heart rate. In our trials, we have found that the game is engaging for the participants. The game also provides a beneficial level of exercise, with the player´s heart rate, on average, rising to a level that constitutes moderate exercise after three minutes and forty seconds, and increasing from thereon.