IFitQuest

Abstract

Exergames, games that encourage and facilitate physical exercise, are growing in popularity thanks to progressions in ubiquitous technologies. While initial findings have confirmed the potential of such games, little research has been done on systems which target the needs of adolescent children. In this paper we introduce iFitQuest, a mobile location-aware exergame designed with adolescent children in mind. In an attempt to understand how exergames can be used to target adolescent children, and whether they can be effective for this demographic, we outline the results of a school based field study conducted within a P.E. class. Through a detailed analysis of our results, we conclude that iFitQuest appeals to twelve to fifteen year olds and causes them to exercise at moderate to vigorous levels. However, in order to develop effective systems that can dynamically adapt to the adolescent users, further research into different categories of users' behavior is required.