Other Titles
Development and Interim Pilot Evaluation of a Family-Centered, Home-Based Digital Exergame for Children with Developmental Disabilities [Title Slide]
Abstract
Background: Compromised sensory integration, reflecting disruptions in neuroplasticity and commonly observed among children with developmental disabilities (DDs), is associated with difficulties in daily functioning and motor and social skills (Rodríguez-Armendariz et al., 2024). Interventions including sensory integration and exergame approaches have demonstrated benefits for enhancing neuroplasticity and functional outcomes (Cardenas et al., 2022). However, clinic-based sensory integration therapy often limits family involvement. We aim to develop and evaluate a home-based digital exergame for children with DDs and their families.
Purpose: This study describes the procedures for developing and assessing the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the digital exergame.
Methods: This study employed the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model (Aldoobie, 2015). In the Analysis phase, we conducted a literature review and focus group interviews (FGIs) with 19 parents. During the Design and Development phases, we collaborated with IT specialists to create a home-based digital exergame grounded in Ayres’ Sensory Integration Theory (Ayres et al., 2005), incorporating an AI-enabled motion-recognition camera and mattress. The Implementation and Evaluation phases consist of a pilot study with seven preschoolers with DDs and families. They will participate in a four-week home-based intervention, with outcomes assessed pre- and post-intervention. Measures include participation rates, cognitive, motor, daily functioning, social skills, EEG indices and family quality of life. Data will be analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Result: The literature review and FGIs confirmed the need for movement-based approaches and identified essential intervention components. A beta version of the exergame was developed and validated by eight subject-matter experts. The pilot study will be conducted in December 2025.
Conclusion: This study highlights the promising potential of the digital exergame. The findings may offer insights into how such approaches enhance participants’ engagement, functional outcomes, and quality of life, while informing scalable, long-term strategies.
Notes
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Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Pilot/Exploratory Study
Keywords:
Instrument and Tool Development, Public and Community Health, Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Children with Developmental Disabilities, Digital Intervention, Sensory Integration, Neuroplasticity, Exergames, Exergames--Utilization, Developmental Disabilities, Children with Disabilities
Recommended Citation
Kang, Jaeeun; Shin, Yoomi; Park, Naeun; Lee, Youngeun; and Lee, Anna, "Home-Based Digital Exergame for Children with Developmental Disabilities: Protocol of a Pilot Study" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 263.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/263
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-31
Home-Based Digital Exergame for Children with Developmental Disabilities: Protocol of a Pilot Study
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background: Compromised sensory integration, reflecting disruptions in neuroplasticity and commonly observed among children with developmental disabilities (DDs), is associated with difficulties in daily functioning and motor and social skills (Rodríguez-Armendariz et al., 2024). Interventions including sensory integration and exergame approaches have demonstrated benefits for enhancing neuroplasticity and functional outcomes (Cardenas et al., 2022). However, clinic-based sensory integration therapy often limits family involvement. We aim to develop and evaluate a home-based digital exergame for children with DDs and their families.
Purpose: This study describes the procedures for developing and assessing the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the digital exergame.
Methods: This study employed the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model (Aldoobie, 2015). In the Analysis phase, we conducted a literature review and focus group interviews (FGIs) with 19 parents. During the Design and Development phases, we collaborated with IT specialists to create a home-based digital exergame grounded in Ayres’ Sensory Integration Theory (Ayres et al., 2005), incorporating an AI-enabled motion-recognition camera and mattress. The Implementation and Evaluation phases consist of a pilot study with seven preschoolers with DDs and families. They will participate in a four-week home-based intervention, with outcomes assessed pre- and post-intervention. Measures include participation rates, cognitive, motor, daily functioning, social skills, EEG indices and family quality of life. Data will be analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Result: The literature review and FGIs confirmed the need for movement-based approaches and identified essential intervention components. A beta version of the exergame was developed and validated by eight subject-matter experts. The pilot study will be conducted in December 2025.
Conclusion: This study highlights the promising potential of the digital exergame. The findings may offer insights into how such approaches enhance participants’ engagement, functional outcomes, and quality of life, while informing scalable, long-term strategies.
Description
This study delineates the development of a home-based digital exergame for preschoolers with DDs and presents a pilot protocol based on the ADDIE model, highlighting its potential to enhance early intervention for DDs.