Monocular-Camera-Based Mobile Exergame for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Status: Completed

Conditions: Behavior Change Interventions

Treatments: Behavioral: Monocular group; Behavioral: Control group; Behavioral: Kinect group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06950528

SRSY202504100034

Details and patient eligibility

About

Exergames have demonstrated potential as effective interventions for promoting physical activity and preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly among older adults. Kinect-based exergames, in particular, have been associated with improved adherence to exercise regimens and positive health outcomes. However, widespread implementation is limited by the high cost and reduced accessibility of the required hardware, restricting their use in home-based settings. Recent advances in computer vision have enabled the development of exergames using monocular camera systems, which may represent a cost-effective and scalable alternative. This study investigates the feasibility of monocular-camera-based exergames as a cost-effective and convenient alternative for home-dwelling individuals.

A total of 45 community-dwelling older adults aged 60-74 years, identified as high risk for T2D were recruited through local community health centers. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 15 per group): (1) Control group (traditional offline exercise with printed instructions), (2) Kinect group (Kinect-based exergames targeting aerobic capacity, balance, and strength), and (3) Monocular group (monocular-camera-based exergames using real-time 2D pose estimation). The intervention lasted six weeks, with participants completing three 30-minute sessions per week at home. Primary outcomes included exercise performance (completion rate and movement accuracy) and intrinsic motivation. Secondary outcomes included perceived enjoyment, challenge, and usability. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.

Enrollment: 45 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60 to 74 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. age between 60-74;
2. a score of 25 or higher on the Chinese Diabetes Risk Score;
3. community-dwelling individuals, not reside in assisted living or long-term care facilities;
4. physically capable of engaging in light to moderate exercise, as determined by self-report and/or physician clearance;
5. normal cognitive function that enable the participant to complete the experiment independently or with minimal assistance;
6. Written informed consent provided by participants or their families.

Exclusion criteria

1. diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes;
2. current participation in another exercise intervention study;
3. severe cognitive impairment with MMSE < 24;
4. major mobility limitations such as severe osteoarthritis and recent orthopedic surgery.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

---

45 participants in 3 patient groups

Control group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Receive traditional offline exercise with printed instructions

Treatment:

Behavioral: Control group

Kinect group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Use Kinect based mobile exergame

Treatment:

Behavioral: Kinect group

Monocular group

Experimental group

Description:

Used monocular-camera-based exergame

Treatment:

Behavioral: Monocular group