Exergames as Synchronous Collaborative Remote Training in Older Adults with Hypertension: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Adhering to recommended training frequencies can be a challenge for older adults with hypertension. Remote training offers the opportunity to exercise independently, regardless of time and location. The pilot study aimed to test the feasibility of three different exergame prototypes for synchronous collaborative remote training of hypertensive older adults. A total of 12 participants diagnosed with hypertension were tested in two separate living labs using three exergame prototypes: “Workout Group” (WG), “Screen” and “HoloLens”. Within WG, the participants were represented as gamified avatars on a screen. In the exergame Screen, the participants could see themselves and the trainer as a point cloud on a screen. In Hololens, the participants saw the trainer directly in front of them as a point cloud via a HoloLens 2 headset. No significant differences in heart rate were found between the three exergame sessions. However, there was a significant increase in heart rate in relation to the resting heart rate in all exergames (p < .001). The participants rated the usability on the system usability scale as good and had a high level of enjoyment in all physical activities. The most gamified exergame, WG, was favored by the older adults with hypertension (n = 9) and would be the most preferred by them in a future home setting (n = 6). The pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of different approaches for designing synchronous collaborative remote training in older adults with Hypertension and provided recommendations for future studies.