Interactive Virtual Reality Fitness Game using Microsoft Kinect (KineFit)

KineFit is an interactive Virtual Reality (VR) fitness training application that utilized
the Kinect sensor as its main input device. Kinect offers a controller-free gaming
experience where user interacts with the game environment by using their whole
body, hence, making the experience more natural and immersive. The game is
incorporated with a gesture-based interface that removes any use of mouse and
keyboard as a means to navigate the game environment. Moreover, this project is
undertaken to motivate exercise as well as to inculcate healthy living culture among
Malaysians since obesity has becoming a critical issue in the country lately. In
addition, the Jack of exercise is one of the primary reasons that lead to obesity, which
in turn is caused by the lack of time, motivation and dull exercise routine.
Furthermore, most video games are desktop-based environment that limits the users'
movement, thus, promoting sedentary lifestyle. Hence, KineFit is undertaken to
change the current attitude and moves towards active lifestyle. Currently, KineFit
consists of two exercise modules but flexible for expansion and uses only the Kinect
sensor as the input device. This project implemented the incremental model which
offers flexibility in time, requirements, manpower and risks. A total of 14 users
participated in 2 different prototype testing to test the usability of the system and the
users' perception of the game on their motivation, engagement and enjoyment to
perform the exercise. The result of the first prototype testing is encouraging as users
felt motivated to complete the exercise while having fun at the same time. The users
suggested that the modules should be refmed for better user engagement. The second
prototype testing improved in terms of engagement as the exercise modules are
changed based on data gathered on the first prototype testing. Suggested future works
for expansion are by adding a jogging module and implementing an Artificial
Intelligence (AI) on character that is able to interact with the user to give the game
more depth, motivation, engagement and importantly, enjoyment of performing
exercise at the comfort of users' living room.