Energy-related  behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour) are main modifiable determinants of several non-communicable health conditions, e.g. diabetes type2, overweight and obesity, and track into adulthood. Promoting these behaviours among youngsters  can have great health and societal gains. Meeting recommended levels for these behaviours is especially low among adolescents, girls and those of lower socio-economic status. An intervention to promote energy-related behaviours among adolescents is thus indicated , and may also address social inclusion.

Exergames, which require movement to be played, have great yet underused  potential to to promote these behaviours. To fully utilise this potential, exergames need to promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; need to be tailored to the individual user; and need to be more engaging.

The SmartLife project  aims to create such an exergame.

The role of Ghent University is to explore the SmartLife intervention content, individual tailoring and participatory design framework. In the participatory development, together with Flemish adolescents the game content will be designed, based on foregoing scientific research on determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, behaviour change methods to promote physical activity and lower the levels of sedentary behaviour and specific in-game methods. Further, Ghent University will develop content for tailored feedback, meaning that individual’s needs fit to in-game exercises. By means of the intervention's choices, Ghent University will further validate whether the serious exergame SmartLife is effective in changing adolescents' physical activity, sedentary behaviour, physiological measurements and health outcomes. The overall role of Ghent University is not only to transfer innovative modules to project partners, but also to research and health promotion networks.