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Designing for Exertion: How Heart-Rate Power-ups Increase Physical Activity in Exergames

Exergames have proven to be a fun way of engaging in physical activity, but analyses of the energy expenditure required to play exergames indicate that most exergame play is not sufficiently vigorous to replace traditional physical activity. In this paper, we argue that it is important to design for exertion in exergames. To illustrate this idea, we present a novel game mechanic, the heart rate power-up, which can be applied to a wide range of exergame styles. A study of 20 participants found that heart-rate power-ups increase exertion levels in games -- sometimes dramatically -- while also increasing players' level of enjoyment.