ALFRED Back Trainer: Conceptualization of a Serious Game-Based Training System for Low Back Pain Rehabilitation Exercises

Low back pain is common medical problem and often recurrent. Within the EU-funded project ALFRED, a serious game-based exercise regime focusing on the prevention and rehabilitation of lower back pain is currently being developed. This Serious Game tries to combine high player motivation with high training effects while using low cost technology and commercial game controllers. The exercise goals and assessment metrics of the Serious Game are elaborated by medical experts to allow scientifically based training while the training effects shall be increased by using state of the art technology for the personalization and adaptation of the training process. In this contribution we describe a prototypical approach which combines the use of widespread physiotherapeutic exercises (bridging exercises) in combination with biofeedback training. This approach aims to improve symmetrical function of the paraspinal muscles and improve overall muscle coordination which is important for optimal functioning of the lower back area.