Interactive Virtual Reality Fitness Game using Microsoft Kinect (KineFit)

• Main Author: Mohd Zubir, Mohd Zuhairi
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS 2011
• Subjects: ZA Information resources
• Online Access: http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/10188/1/2011%20Bachelor%20-%20Interactive%20Virtual%20Reality%20Fitness%20Game%20Using%20Microsoft%20Kinect%20%28KINEFIT%29.pdf; http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/10188/

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.