Presbyterian College OT Doctoral Program Seeks Children for Exergaming Research Study
January 21, 2026
The Presbyterian College Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program is seeking participants for an on-campus research study exploring how active video games—known as exergames—can support children’s movement skills and school-related abilities.
The IRB-approved study is being conducted by occupational therapy doctoral student Sean Duncan under the supervision of Dr. Christine Boone. Researchers are inviting children ages 7–11 from the Clinton community and surrounding areas to participate in the movement-based exergaming project.
The purpose of the study is to better understand how exergaming can be used as a therapeutic tool to promote both motor development and academic-related skills. The study is open to all types of learners, including neurodivergent children—those who learn or think differently—as well as neurotypical children. Including a broad range of participants will help researchers evaluate how exergaming may benefit children with different learning styles and needs.
Children who participate will attend 30-minute sessions once a week over approximately nine to ten weeks. During each session, participants will play interactive exergames using the NexPlayground system. Children will also complete a brief motor assessment at the beginning and end of the study to measure changes in motor skill development. All sessions will take place at Presbyterian College in a designated activity space and will be supervised by the research team.
Families interested in learning more or signing up are encouraged to contact the research team. Questions about the study may be directed to Sean Duncan at [email protected] or Dr. Christine Boone at [email protected]. Additional questions regarding research oversight may be sent to the Presbyterian College Institutional Review Board at [email protected].
The study is approved under IRB Approval Number PC202602, with an approval date of December 5, 2025.
