The University of Vermont College of Medicine has received an $189,772 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to explore how interactive digital games could be designed to improve players' health behaviors and outcomes. UVM joins 11 other research teams supported in this first round of funding from Health Games Research, an RWJF national program established to strengthen the evidence base related to the development and use of games to achieve desirable health outcomes.

Dr. Peter Bingham, associate professor of neurology and pediatrics, is the grant recipient. His research project, titled "Breath Biofeedback Video Game for Children with Cystic Fibrosis," will explore whether a breath biofeedback video game can improve cystic fibrosis patients' self-administration of inhaled medicines, engagement in respiratory exercises and awareness of their respiratory status. The game uses a breath controller and game software developed by a research team at Champlain College's Emergent Media Center in collaboration with patients in the target user group. In addition to potentially helping CF patients self-manage their condition and maintain better health, the game also may be useful for children and adults with asthma and other forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Bingham began exploring the concept of turning CF patient breathing training into a video game several years ago. He approached UVM colleague Jason Bates, professor of medicine working in the Vermont Lung Center, for help with the practical aspects of testing the concept. With funding from the Office of Technology Transfer's UVM Ventures program, the two professors and researchers, including biomedical engineer John Thompson-Figuero and Chris Coulter of Adaptive Engineering, developed the breath biofeedback system and method. UVM submitted a patent application for the system in 2006.

"We know that eye-hand coordination can be improved by playing video games, but eye-breath coordination is something new," said Bingham. "With the help of some very creative patients with CF, we hope to devise a completely new kind of game that helps kids to connect with each other about breathing and puts CF patients more in charge of their own health. We feel lucky to have the people at Champlain College to work with us on this project."

In the early version of the system, which was tested with a number of teenagers with CF, the patient would breathe in and out of a simple air flow meter connected to a computer, which displayed an icon on the screen. As the air flow changed, the icon would move vertically on the screen while the image of a curvy road scrolled past. The object of the game was for the patient to keep the icon on the road. Now, with their partnership with Champlain's gaming experts, the UVM research team can work to bring the concept to a more sophisticated level.

"This collaboration plays to some of the key strengths of the UVM College of Medicine and Champlain College," said Ann DeMarle, director of Champlain's Emergent Media Center. "The particular combination of disciplines required to tackle this issue presents the perfect opportunity for our students to work with young patients, faculty and researchers to create media that could positively impact their lives as well as those of other Cystic Fibrosis patients."

Health Games Research is headquartered at the University of California, Santa Barbara and is funded by an $8.25 million grant from RWJF's Pioneer Portfolio, which supports innovative projects that may lead to breakthrough improvements in the future of health and health care.

The 12 grantees were selected from 112 research organizations that applied for Health Games Research funding during the first funding call, which focused on games that engage players in physical activity and/or games that promote and improve players' self-care. As UVM and the other 11 grantees conduct their studies, Health Games Research will provide them with ongoing assistance and research resources. In January 2009, Health Games Research will issue its next Call for Proposals, awarding up to an additional $2 million in grants in its second round of funding.