Innovative Floor Video Projection Supports Cognitive Development in Neurodiverse Adolescents During Exercise

Recent research from the University of Tsukuba highlights the potential of using floor video projection technology to improve physical activity engagement and cognitive functions among neurodiverse adolescents. The study focused on how visual aids, such as projected images and interactive pacemakers on the gymnasium floor, can assist students with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities in understanding and performing endurance exercises like the shuttle run. This activity, which measures physical fitness, often poses challenges for these students in task comprehension, such as gauging distance, timing turns, and maintaining consistent pace.

To address this, the researchers implemented two types of projection support: a simple projection of a pacemaker moving at a constant speed, and an interactive projection that adjusted to the students' positions in real time. The study involved 24 junior-high and high-school students, and their performance was evaluated with and without these supports. Findings published in the International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction reveal that high school students responded better to the simple fixed-speed projection, while middle school students benefited more from the interactive method, showing improved pacing and task understanding.

These results suggest that personalized visual support can significantly enhance the way neurodiverse students approach physical activities, making exercise more accessible, safe, and enjoyable. Implementing such tailored educational tools in schools could foster better engagement in physical health routines for students with various neurodevelopmental profiles, contributing to their overall cognitive and social development.

This innovative approach exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to create inclusive and effective educational environments for neurodiverse youth, emphasizing the importance of adaptable strategies based on individual cognitive abilities.