RESEARCH

ZHdK – ZHAW – SPHERY

FROM THE LAB – TO THE FIELD – TO THE MARKET

Prof. Dr. Anna Martin-Niedecken

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MSc. Yanick Riederer

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Sphery was founded in March 2018 from a research project at the Zurich University of the Arts. Sphery combines academic expertise with practical application, with a strong combination of innovation and creativity.

Our interdisciplinary team has set itself the task of pushing the boundaries of technology, design and training in order to create new training stimuli and give more people motivating access to exercise.

For the development of our products, we co-operate with renowned research institutes and practical partners all over the world in order to subsequently transfer the knowledge gained and prototypes into marketable solutions.

With our guiding principle “FROM THE LAB - TO THE FIELD - TO THE MARKET” , we are driving forward the link between research and market application in order to revolutionise the world of movement and training.

Through continuous research and a multidisciplinary development approach, we endeavour to always be one step ahead of the times.

To the studies
The New Way to Exercise_ Evaluating an Innovative Heart-rate-controlled Exergame_2021
fcomp-2020-Comparing HIIT in the ExerCube with an conventional HiiT_2020
Adaptive High-Intensity Exergaming- The More Enjoyable Alternative to Conventional Training Approaches Despite Working Harder_2021
Acute Effects of Heart Rate-Controlled Exergaming on Vascular Function in Young Adults_2022
Exergaming induces High-intensity exercise stimulus and reduces cardiovasular reactivity to cold pressor test_2022
Impact on cognitive-motor functions in young team sports athletes_2023

Key findings

Optimal user-centred application and training experience

All training methods are developed using a user-centred approach and offer a unique training experience adapted to each individual's abilities

Comparing the Impact of Heart Rate-Based In-Game Adaptations in an Exergame-Based Functional High-Intensity Interval Training on Training Intensity and Experience in Healthy Young Adults. Martin-Niedecken AL, Schwarz T, Schättin A. To the study

Development of a Novel Home-Based Exergame With On-Body Feedback: Usability Study

Schättin A, Pickles J, Flagmeier D, Schärer B, Riederer Y, Niedecken S, Villiger S, Jurt R, Kind N, Scott SN, Stettler C, Martin-Niedecken AL

To the study

Improvement of cognitive functions (e.g. flexibility, concentration, and divided attention).

Scientific research has shown that training with the [ExerCube] improves several cognitive functions such as flexibility, concentration, and divided attention. These effects even occur in athletes with already highly developed cognitive functions.

Impact of an exergame intervention on cognitive-motor functions and training experience in young team sports athletes: a non-randomized controlled trial
 

To the study

Strengthening of cognitive-motor processes

[ExerCube] training improves and optimises the connections between motor skills and cognitive functions of the human brain. It is about the coordination and integration of physical movement with cognitive processes such as perception, attention, memory, and decision-making.

“HIIT” the ExerCube: Comparing the Effectiveness of Functional High-Intensity Interval Training in Conventional vs. Exergame-Based Training.

Martin-Niedecken AL, Mahrer A, Rogers K, de Bruin ED and Schättin A (2020)

To the study

 The ExerCube: Participatory Design of an Immersive Fitness Game Environment.

Martin-Niedecken, A.L., Mekler, E.D. (2018)

To the study

Benefits for the cardiovascular system

Acute and regular training with the [ExerCube] has proven positive effects on the cardiovascular system that are even greater compared to conventional training. In addition, regular ExerCube training has been shown to improve maximum oxygen consumption (VO2,max) and endurance performance.

Comparison of an exergame and a moderate-intensity endurance training intervention on physiological parameters.

Schürch, Y., Burger, M., Amor, L., Zehnder, C., Benzing, V., Mieschler, M., Baur, H., Schmid, S., Bangerter, C., Nigg, C. R., & Ketelhut, S.

To the study

Acute Effects of Heart Rate-Controlled Exergaming on Vascular Function in Young Adults

Kircher E, Ketelhut S, Ketelhut K, Röglin L, Martin-Niedecken AL, Hottenrott K, Ketelhut RG

To the study

Integrating Regular Exergaming Sessions in the ExerCube into a School Setting Increases Physical Fitness in Elementary School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ketelhut S, Röglin L, Martin-Niedecken AL, Nigg CR, Ketelhut K.

To the study

Gaming Instead of Training? Exergaming Induces High-Intensity Exercise Stimulus and Reduces Cardiovascular Reactivity to Cold Pressor Test

Ketelhut S, Ketelhut RG, Kircher E, Röglin L, Hottenrott K, Martin-Niedecken AL and Ketelhut K (2022)

To the study

A Game-Based Approach to Lower Blood Pressure? Comparing Acute Hemodynamic Responses to Endurance Exercise and Exergaming: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Kircher E, Ketelhut S, Ketelhut K, Röglin L, Hottenrott K, Martin-Niedecken AL, Ketelhut RG

To the study

Generation of ideal (high) training intensities

Training with the [ExerCube] can lead up to a very high training intensity and is still a playful, immersive, and motivating training method.

Comparing the Impact of Heart Rate-Based In-Game Adaptations in an Exergame-Based Functional High-Intensity Interval Training on Training Intensity and Experience in Healthy Young Adults.

Martin-Niedecken AL, Schwarz T, Schättin A.

To the study

Adaptive High-Intensity Exergaming: The More Enjoyable Alternative to Conventional Training Approaches Despite Working Harder.

Röglin L, Ketelhut S, Ketelhut K, Kircher E, Ketelhut RG, Martin-Niedecken AL, Hottenrott K, Stoll O.

To the study

The New Way to Exercise? Evaluating an Innovative Heart-rate-controlled Exergame.

Ketelhut S, Röglin L, Kircher E, Martin-Niedecken A, Ketelhut R, Hottenrott K, Ketelhut K.

To the study

Research and development projects

ExerUp

 September 2021 – August2023

[ExerUp] – DIZH

Development of a training programme for effective and attractive sports rehabilitation, especially for knee injuries. The focus here is on phase 3 of the rehabilitation process, in which it is important that patients learn to link their regained physical functions with cognitive stimuli.

Link to the project

 May 2021 – October 2023

[ExerGetic] – AAL 

Extension of the existing [ExerCube] system for use with older people to train important motor and cognitive functions for carrying out activities of daily living in a fall-safe environment.

Link to the project 

 

 September 2020 – April 2023

[ExerCube]@Home – Innosuisse

Develop a home exercise system to encourage inactive people to be physically active and overcome barriers such as lack of time, motivation and access.

 March 2022 - December 2023

[ExerCube] in everyday school life

Investigating the potential of training with the [ExerCube] in the school environment. Pupils are given short exercise breaks during which they not only improve their physical fitness, but also their mental and cognitive fitness and are inspired to get moving in their everyday (school) lives.

Link to the project 

Research network

ZHaW

Studies

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