Cardiff University

Pedalling With Purpose: Relational Action in Children's VR Cycling Exergames

Pedalling With Purpose: Relational Action in Children's VR Mingxuan Jin Min Zhou Xiaolan Peng School of Computer Science and School of Computer Science and Institute of Software, Chinese Informatics Informatics Academy of Sciences Cardif University Cardif University Beijing, China Cardif, United Kingdom Cardif, United Kingdom…

• In children's VR cycling exergames, physical exertion is most effectively motivated when framed as 'relational action'—effort directed toward, with, for, or against game characters rather than simple movement or task completion.
• A pilot study of 16 children demonstrated that narrative elements transform bodily effort into meaningful action by positioning the player as a helper, mediator, or challenger within a social context.
• Designers should prioritize 'relational targets'—such as an ally needing help or an antagonist requiring pursuit—to provide social destinations for physical exertion that do not require complex game controls.