Abstract P167: Exergaming Experience: Perspectives of Patients With Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic illness that affects the physical and psychosocial well being of individuals afflicted with this debilitating disease. Physical activity in patients with HF is known to have positive outcomes. Exergaming is a new form of physical activity that has gained popularity among older adults and with older individuals with chronic illnesses. This home-based exercise platform has the potential to improve the physical activity in patients with HF. Aims: To explore HF patients perceived facilitators, attitudes and experiences when using an exergame platform at home utilizing the Nintendo Wii sports. This qualitative study was conducted as part of a larger study to determine feasibility and usability of using a home-based exercise program to improve the physical and psychosocial well-being in patients with HF. Methods: Semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted in 13 participants diagnosed with HF (5 women, age range between 35 and 67 years old). The participants were recruited at a university hospital HF clinic in Southern California. Participants were asked about their experience with exergames. Exergaming devices were installed in participants’ homes and they were given advice to use the devices a minimum of 30 minutes a day. The interviews evolved around themes such as acceptance of exergame, usefulness and engagement. Transcribed interviews were analyzed with content analysis. Results: The exergame device was easy to use. The virtual reality environment appeared real. However, participants verbalized challenges with hand-eye coordination in playing some of the games. Not all participants felt improvement in their physical activity. Participants reported eagerness and fun with exergaming but engagement diminished overtime. Greater variation of exergames were identified to reduce monotony. Conclusion: This study provided insight on the value of home-based exercise platform using technology in improving the physical activity of participants with HF. Participants’ perceptions of usefulness, acceptability and engagement are warranted to ensure that exergaming will achieve the intended aim of improving physical activity and ultimately improve the overall well being and health care delivery in this patient population.