The development of Heart Farming, an augmented reality mobile exergame, addresses the critical need for personalized physical activity interventions among sedentary older adults diagnosed with heart failure. By moving away from the generic, one-size-fits-all approach common in commercial fitness applications, this initiative provides a tailored framework that accounts for the specific physical limitations and safety requirements of a vulnerable demographic. The primary objective is to facilitate a sustainable increase in daily walking and exercise, which is clinically proven to reduce hospitalization rates and mortality in heart failure patients.
The design philosophy centers on the integration of motivational affordances and behavioral psychology to drive long-term engagement. By utilizing a farming-themed interface, the application incentivizes movement through experience points, progression tracking, and unlockable content, all while minimizing the need for constant screen interaction. This approach ensures that users can focus on their physical activity, such as walking or sit-to-stand exercises, without the distraction or safety risks associated with traditional mobile gaming. The system further emphasizes accessibility through adaptive goal-setting, allowing for personalized exercise intensity that prevents overexertion.
Published in 2024, this research establishes a robust framework for eHealth interventions by bridging the gap between virtual gamification and real-world health outcomes. By leveraging smartphone sensor technology and augmented reality, the project demonstrates how digital tools can be optimized for older populations who require intuitive, non-punitive, and meaningful engagement strategies. Current efforts are focused on validating these design choices through a randomized controlled trial, aiming to confirm that such person-centered digital health solutions can effectively foster habit formation and improve the overall quality of life for patients managing chronic cardiovascular conditions.
