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A Drum-Based Serious Game for Physical and Cognitive Training in Older Adults: Development and Mixed Methods Usability Study
Ethan Shiu-Wang Cheng, Daphne Sze Ki Cheung, Armstrong Tat San Chiu, James Chung‐Wai Cheung, Duo Wai‐Chi Wong. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 2025-09-17
Topic: Risk, prevention and care in population studies
Physical and cognitive decline significantly affects seniors’ quality of life. To address this, our interdisciplinary team developed a drum-based serious game tailored for older adults. The game features culturally adapted interfaces and nostalgic songs, incorporating rhythmic gameplay where players strike a drum in sync with on-screen visual cues matching musical beats. 72 participants (female = 73.6%, age: 85 ± 8.7) completed our two-week intervention program with four 30-minute game sessions. We assessed game performance metrics (hit rates, scores and wrong hits) and User Engagement Scale (UES) across three cognitive profiles groups (Normal, Mild/Major neurocognitive disorders). Results indicated significant improvements in pre- and post-game scores (p = .003) and high engagement levels (UES: M = 4.2/5). Thematic analysis revealed participants felt engaged, experienced benefits, attracted, and achieved a sense of success. However, some older, frailer individuals reported frustration due to challenges keeping pace. Overall, our findings support the game’s feasibility and usability.
Key findings
- Physical and cognitive decline significantly affects seniors’ quality of life.
- Results indicated significant improvements in pre- and post-game scores (p = .003) and high engagement levels (UES: M = 4.2/5).
- Thematic analysis revealed participants felt engaged, experienced benefits, attracted, and achieved a sense of success.
- Overall, our findings support the game’s feasibility and usability.
Why it matters
This usability study of a drum-based game found improved game scores and high engagement over two weeks in older adults, including some with neurocognitive disorders. It supports only the feasibility and usability of the game, not any effect on treating, curing or preventing Alzheimer's disease.
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Study details
- Participants72
- Effect size73.6%
- Evidence strengthLow
How this study scored 36/100
Published in a peer-reviewed journal. Scored zero for study design and randomised / blinded because the record does not state it.
| Component | Points | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Journal tier | 7 / 10 | Tier 3 — peer-reviewed journal (International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction) |
| Journal's citation record | 1 / 4 | International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction: journal h-index 139 (OpenAlex, 2026-10-29) |
| Study design | 0 / 12 | No study design recorded — scores zero, not guessed (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Strength of evidence | 1 / 5 | Rated “low” in our summary |
| Peer-review validation | 10 / 10 | Peer-reviewed. Published as an article in a named peer-reviewed journal. |
| How recent | 4 / 5 | 2025 — within 3 year(s) of the newest study here |
| Sample size | 1 / 4 | 72 participants |
| Effect reported | 2 / 3 | Effect reported as a number, without an interval or test |
| Studied in people | 3 / 3 | Studied in people (participant count stated) |
| Randomised / blinded | 0 / 2 | No randomisation or blinding stated — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Times cited | 1 / 7 | Cited 1 times (OpenAlex, 2026-10-10) |
| Citations per year | 0 / 5 | 0.3 citations a year over 3 year(s) since 2025 |
| Impact for its field and year | 2 / 6 | Cited 2.0× the average for papers of its field and year (OpenAlex FWCI) |
| Cited by studies here | 0 / 6 | No other study in this library cites it |
| Still being cited | 0 / 4 | Cited 1 times in 2024–2026 (2026 still in progress; OpenAlex) |
| Senior author's track record | 2 / 4 | Last-listed author Duo Wai‐Chi Wong: h-index 36 (OpenAlex, whole career) |
| Institution's track record | 0 / 3 | Hong Kong Polytechnic University: institution h-index 668 (OpenAlex) |
| Multi-centre collaboration | 1 / 3 | OpenAlex lists 3 institution(s) in 2 countries |
| Indexed in PubMed | 1 / 2 | Not in PubMed, but has a DOI |
| Free to read | 0 / 2 | Behind a paywall — scores zero |
| Total | 36 / 100 | — |
What each of these 20 components measures, and what this score is not →
Read the original
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Cite this study APA, Vancouver, BibTeX · download .bib or .ris
Built from the record alzhub holds for this paper, not looked up. Volume, issue and page numbers are not held in the record. Check the citation against the original before you use it.
APA 7th
Cheng, E. S.-W., Cheung, D. S. K., Chiu, A. T. S., Cheung, J. C., & Wong, D. W. (2025). A Drum-Based Serious Game for Physical and Cognitive Training in Older Adults: Development and Mixed Methods Usability Study. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2025.2558017
Vancouver
Cheng ES.-W, Cheung DSK, Chiu ATS, Cheung JC, Wong DW. A Drum-Based Serious Game for Physical and Cognitive Training in Older Adults: Development and Mixed Methods Usability Study. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. 2025. doi:10.1080/10447318.2025.2558017.
BibTeX
@article{cheng2025-217f2af6,
author = {Cheng, Ethan Shiu-Wang and Cheung, Daphne Sze Ki and Chiu, Armstrong Tat San and Cheung, James Chung‐Wai and Wong, Duo Wai‐Chi},
title = {{A Drum-Based Serious Game for Physical and Cognitive Training in Older Adults: Development and Mixed Methods Usability Study}},
journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction},
year = {2025},
doi = {10.1080/10447318.2025.2558017},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2025.2558017}
}
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