Dublin City University

Designing for Engagement: Cozy Gaming for Long Term Goals

This research explores the application of cozy gaming principles to virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation for athletes recovering from Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

• Current home exercise programs for ACL reconstruction patients suffer from high attrition, with completion rates ranging between only 30% and 50%.
• The proposed VR solution utilizes cozy gaming principles—specifically low-stress, task-oriented, and rewarding mechanics—to combat kinesiophobia, boredom, and isolation during physical rehabilitation.
• The system gamifies essential recovery movements like lunges, acceleration drills, and reaction training by linking them to resource collection for a virtual home environment.