RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Older people often do not meet the recommended levels of exercise required to reduce functional decline. Social interaction is mentioned by this cohort as a reason for joining group-based exercises, which does not occur when exercising alone. This perspective shows that exergames can be used as motivational resources. However, most available exergames are generic, obtained from commercial sources, and usually not specifically designed or adapted for older people. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aim to co-design and develop a new exergame alongside older participants to (1) tailor the game mechanics and optimize participants' adherence to and enjoyment of exercise; (2) test the participants' functional capacity, motivation, and adherence to the exergaming program; and (3) compare these scores between those who played alone and those who played with peers. METHODS: We conducted a co-design process to develop a new exergame adapted to older people. For user testing, 23 participants were divided into 2 groups to play individually (alone group) or to compete in pairs (with peers group). They played the game twice a week, resulting in 21 exergaming sessions. We assessed the participants' General Physical Fitness Index (GPFI) before and after the user testing. We also administered questionnaires about the gaming experience and exercise adherence with its motivators and barriers. RESULTS: We introduced a new bowling exergame for Xbox with a Kinect motion sensor that can be played in single or multiplayer mode. For the GPFI measurements, the sample was homogeneous in the pretest (with peers group: mean 40.5 [SD 9.6], alone group: mean 33.9 [SD 7.8]; P=.11). After the exergame testing sessions, both groups had significant gains (with peers group: mean 57.5 [SD 8.7], P=.005; alone group: mean 44.7 [SD 10.6]; P=.02). Comparing the posttest between groups, it was found that the group in which participants played with peers had better outcomes than the group in which participants played alone (P=.02). Regarding the gaming experience and exercise adherence, both groups recognized the benefits and expressed enthusiasm toward the exergame. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the developed exergame helps in improving the functional capacity and adherence to physical exercise among older people, with even better results for those who played with peers. In addition to leading to more appropriate products, a co-design approach may positively influence the motivation and adherence of participants.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Verify the variables of plantar pressure distribution of patients submitted to surgical procedure for calcaneal fracture, and correlate them with two different surgical approaches. METHOD: The authors studied 15 patients between 20 and 53 years of age (average 40.06 yrs.) who had intra-joint calcaneal fractures, submitted to surgical treatment by means of two different approaches: the lateral and the sinus tarsi. The authors checked the plantar pressure distribution by correlating these variables with the two different surgical approaches. The plantar pressure distribution was assessed using the Pedar System (Novel, Gmbh, Munich, Germany), by checking the maximum peak of the hindfoot and forefoot pressure on the affected and the normal sides. RESULTS: the mean maximum pressure of the hindfoot plantigram in both approaches showed no statistical difference (t=0.11; p=0.91), as well as the mean maximum pressure of the forefoot plantigram (t=-0,48; p=0,64). CONCLUSION: The authors have concluded that there were no significant statistical differences between the average maximum peak of the hindfoot and forefoot pressure on the affected side as compared to the normal side, and these variables have showed no differences when compared to the surgical approach used.
