Monocular-Camera-Based Mobile Exergame for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

NCT ID: NCT06950528

Last Updated: 2025-04-30

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 45 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-01-01
• Study Completion Date: 2024-08-01

Brief Summary

Exergames have demonstrated potential as effective interventions for promoting physical activity and preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly among older adults. Kinect-based exergames, in particular, have been associated with improved adherence to exercise regimens and positive health outcomes. However, widespread implementation is limited by the high cost and reduced accessibility of the required hardware, restricting their use in home-based settings. Recent advances in computer vision have enabled the development of exergames using monocular camera systems, which may represent a cost-effective and scalable alternative. This study investigates the feasibility of monocular-camera-based exergames as a cost-effective and convenient alternative for home-dwelling individuals.

A total of 45 community-dwelling older adults aged 60-74 years, identified as high risk for T2D were recruited through local community health centers. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 15 per group): (1) Control group (traditional offline exercise with printed instructions), (2) Kinect group (Kinect-based exergames targeting aerobic capacity, balance, and strength), and (3) Monocular group (monocular-camera-based exergames using real-time 2D pose estimation). The intervention lasted six weeks, with participants completing three 30-minute sessions per week at home. Primary outcomes included exercise performance (completion rate and movement accuracy) and intrinsic motivation. Secondary outcomes included perceived enjoyment, challenge, and usability. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.

Conditions

Behavior Change Interventions

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: PREVENTION
• Blinding Strategy: DOUBLE

Study Groups

Control group

Receive traditional offline exercise with printed instructions

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Control group

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Control Group consists of six motion videos, including: crossover steps, high knees, lateral raises, punching movements, downward leg punches from a standing position, and elbow-to-chest expansions

Kinect group

Use Kinect based mobile exergame

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Kinect group

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Kinect Group features the same software functionality and design as the application based on bullet-screen cameras, but the hardware is built using a Kinect sensor. The gamified platform is primarily developed and presented using Unity software. The Kinect 3D motion-sensing camera incorporates real-time dynamic capture and image recognition capabilities, offering new possibilities for interactive approaches to motion therapy

Monocular group

Used monocular-camera-based exergame

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Monocular group

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

The game employs a virtual avatar to replicate users' movements, thereby fostering an immersive and engaging experience. A monocular camera captures users' movements in real time, which are analyzed through pose estimation algorithms and subsequently mapped onto the virtual avatar. Users interact with the game by following on-screen visual demonstrations, presented as either static images or animations, to perform the prescribed exercises. Movement accuracy is evaluated by the system, with scores awarded based on performance. To enhance user motivation and adherence, the game incorporates a reward system, where points earned through accurate execution can be redeemed for in-game rewards, such as unlocking background music, avatar customization options, and new virtual environments.

Interventions

Control group

Control Group consists of six motion videos, including: crossover steps, high knees, lateral raises, punching movements, downward leg punches from a standing position, and elbow-to-chest expansions

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Kinect group

Kinect Group features the same software functionality and design as the application based on bullet-screen cameras, but the hardware is built using a Kinect sensor. The gamified platform is primarily developed and presented using Unity software. The Kinect 3D motion-sensing camera incorporates real-time dynamic capture and image recognition capabilities, offering new possibilities for interactive approaches to motion therapy

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Monocular group

The game employs a virtual avatar to replicate users' movements, thereby fostering an immersive and engaging experience. A monocular camera captures users' movements in real time, which are analyzed through pose estimation algorithms and subsequently mapped onto the virtual avatar. Users interact with the game by following on-screen visual demonstrations, presented as either static images or animations, to perform the prescribed exercises. Movement accuracy is evaluated by the system, with scores awarded based on performance. To enhance user motivation and adherence, the game incorporates a reward system, where points earned through accurate execution can be redeemed for in-game rewards, such as unlocking background music, avatar customization options, and new virtual environments.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. age between 60-74;

2. a score of 25 or higher on the Chinese Diabetes Risk Score;

3. community-dwelling individuals, not reside in assisted living or long-term care facilities;

4. physically capable of engaging in light to moderate exercise, as determined by self-report and/or physician clearance;

5. normal cognitive function that enable the participant to complete the experiment independently or with minimal assistance;

6. Written informed consent provided by participants or their families.

Exclusion Criteria

1. diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes;

2. current participation in another exercise intervention study;

3. severe cognitive impairment with MMSE < 24;

4. major mobility limitations such as severe osteoarthritis and recent orthopedic surgery.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 60 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 74 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Jianan Zhao

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Hongqiao Community

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China

Countries

China

Other Identifiers

SRSY202504100034

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id