ExerG – Adapting an exergame training solution to the needs of older adults using focus group and expert interviews

Background: Exergames as playful technology-based exercise programs increase training motivation in fall-prevention programs when adapted age-appropriately. For this reason, we aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of three different user groups’ experiences in tech-nology-based training, and their needs and expectations, to develop an exergame (ExerG) for fall-prevention to older adults.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured focus group interviews of primary (older adults) and secondary end users (health professionals), and expert interviews of tertiary end users (health insurance experts or similar). Interviews were voice recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis in an inductively, data-driven, iterative pro-cess.
Results: We interviewed 24 primary, 18 secondary and nine tertiary end users at two rehabil-itation centers in Austria and Switzerland. Our thematic analysis identified six themes for both the primary and secondary, and five themes for the tertiary end users. Primary end users’ themes included safety, training goals, individualization, game environment, social interac-tions, and physical/technical overload. Secondary end users’ themes comprised meaningful-ness, distraction, safety, gamification, availability, and accessibility of exergames. Tertiary end users’ themes contained aspects of financial support, target populations, professional training for the handling of exergames, training goals, and concerns about the usability of exergames.
Conclusions: Exergames for older adults must be safe, motivating and individually adapted while promoting the return to or preservation of autonomy and independence in daily life. Our findings contribute to develop hard- and software extensions for the ExerG training device. Further research is needed to expand the validity of our findings to larger populations.