EVOLVE: Exergames in vocational training to promote the mental health and vigour of adolescents

Background:

The mental health of students in health and social professions in vocational education and training is becoming an increasing concern. They are exposed to multiple unique stressors during their training and placements, including serious illness, human suffering, and even death. As a result, they have an elevated risk for developing mental health symptoms. This is particularly crucial in Switzerland, with around two-thirds of adolescents choosing vocational training.

Research indicates that physical activity can positively impact mental health, improving mood, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive and academic outcomes. One option for these students would be to integrate opportunities for physical activity into the curriculum, ultimately supporting their mental health. Exergaming can provide such a solution, as it combines video games with physical activity and movement using AI-based motion-sensing technology. However, exergaming has not yet been assessed in Swiss vocational training contexts. The overarching goal of this project is to develop an exergame that is tailored to the needs of Swiss vocational students, and that fosters their physical activity, mental well-being, self-efficacy, and social cohesion.

Method:

First, a context analysis will gather initial data via a literature review and focus groups with stakeholders, focusing on the physical and mental health needs of vocational training students. Second, co-creation workshops will be conducted with all relevant persons, including students, teachers, directors of vocational training centres, policymakers, and experts in various fields (e.g., AI science, sports science, mental health). These collaborative sessions will model an exergame tailored to the needs of Swiss vocational training students.

Outcomes and Impact:

This interdisciplinary project will result in the co-creation of a novel, contextually relevant exergame that addresses the mental health challenges faced by Swiss vocational education students. The collaborative input from a variety of relevant stakeholders will provide a better understanding of student needs and motivations, potential challenges, and the optimal conditions for effective delivery and promoting student engagement. The findings will also support the acquisition of third-party funding by providing an evidence base for a larger project that will develop, feasibility test, implement, and evaluate the tailored exergame.