Applied Sciences (Aug 2022)

Assessing HapHop-Physio: An Exer-Learning Game to Support Therapies for Children with Specific Learning Disorders

  • Carolina Rico-Olarte,
  • Nathalia Narváez-Muñoz,
  • Diego M. López,
  • Linda Becker,
  • Luz Ángela Tovar-Ruiz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/app12168281
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 16
p. 8281

Abstract

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The HapHop-Physio exer-learning game is a cognitive rehabilitation solution for children with learning disorders to train memory and attention functions. Therefore, HapHop-Physio must be assessed as an appropriate tool developed to support the enhancement of essential cognitive skills. In this paper, we aim to establish the validity of HapHop-Physio in a healthcare setting with children receiving training with this tool. HapHop-Physio was developed through interaction between clinical experts, one graphic designer, and game developers. Following an assessment framework for serious games in healthcare, the game’s rationale, functionality, validity, and data safety are described. Particularly, the validity was assessed with experts through a case study conducted in three phases with 12 children diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorders. The baseline of the cognitive profile of the children was obtained and trained with HapHop-Physio. General trends and findings were obtained through an exploratory analysis of the gathered results from the phases. The validity aspects were achieved through continuous feedback from the experts, allowing to improve the game in five features: game structure, scoring system, avatars, login system, and clinicians’ dashboard. The application of the assessment framework in HapHop-Physio guarantees end users that the game is safe and effective enough to be used for supporting memory and attention training. One relevant finding from the case study was that cognitive performance improved in 11 out of 12 children at the end of the training. The positive outcomes of this assessment indicate the game’s appropriateness for a healthcare setting. However, the improvement in cognitive performance cannot be associated with HapHop-Physio in this case study. Consequently, it needs to be evaluated in a controlled experiment (including a control group) to ensure that it leads to cognitive rehabilitation in reality.

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