The mousegrip

ABSTRACT

Computer games, often played with others, are a compelling pastime for many. However, they have been criticized for their mouse and keyboard or gamepad interactions, as they support a sedentary lifestyle. In contrast, a "hand exerciser" handgrip device can help strengthen hand and forearm muscles extensively through a simple spring mechanism. Our system "mousegrip" is an exertion interface to control computer applications while simultaneously exercising hand and arm muscles based on a handgrip device. We present a casual game of pong for two distributed players who control the game with a mousegrip each, demonstrating a low-cost approach to "exertion interactions over a distance". By showing how easy it can be to include exertion in interactions with computers, we hope to encourage other researchers and designers to consider exertion activity in their designs in order to support a healthy lifestyle.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)

General Terms:
Human Factors

Keywords:
exergaming, exertion, low-cost, mobile, obesity, physical, physical effort, sports, ubiquitous, videogames