A Virtual Reality Tool Applied to Improve the Effects on Chronic Diseases - Case: Emotional Effects on T2DM

摘要

A large part of the world population suffers from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since most life-threatening consequences of the disease do not appear during its first stages, there is an inherent difficulty to establish prevention strategies at young age. Technology is a tool of high potential for this purpose. Virtual Reality (VR) tools are already used in many areas, such as education, entertainment, advertising, and health; and might prevent the impact of some of the physical and emotional effects of T2DM. There are products that become global phenomena with the simple use of this kind of sophisticated technology, impressing people, and making these products more interesting. The purpose of this paper is to present work in progress towards the development of a VR videogame that aims to motivate exercise and combat depression, thus preventing some of the T2DM consequences. The videogame uses a model based on a user experience, gamification and immersive virtual reality element.