Authors:
Muhammad Asif Ahmad
1
;
2
;
3
;
Honorato Sousa
2
;
Élvio Rúbio Quintal
4
;
5
and
Sergi Bermúdez i Badia
1
;
2
;
3
Affiliations:
1
Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
;
2
Madeira Interactive Technologies Institute, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
;
3
NOVA Laboratory for Computer Science and Informatics, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
;
4
Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
;
5
ITI/LARSyS, ARDITI, Funchal, Portugal
Keyword(s):
Hiking Simulator, VR Environments, User Experience, Heart Rate, Exertion Level, Virtual Reality, Exergames.
Abstract:
Exergames can be used to overcome a sedentary lifestyle. Virtual Reality (VR) has made exergames successful, and they can be used to increase heart rate, but some limitations are found, such as the adaptation of the heart rate in exergames to the player's fitness profile. VR technology has been used to simulate virtual cycling and walking experiences. We designed and developed an exergame' Virtual Levadas' in a cave-based VR environment to simulate the Levadas hiking tracks. They are the main attraction for tourists in Madeira Island, Portugal. This study's main objective was to assess player exertion, usability, participation, and realism of the simulation of the Levadas tracks. We performed this study with 13 participants who played Virtual Levadas for 6 minutes and found a significant increase in player's average physical activity and heart rate. Overall, our results demonstrate that Virtual Levada's exergame provides a higher exertion level, immersion, and realism of the virtual
environment than the literature.
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