Gamification_of_physical_activity_2019

Gamification of Physical Activity

• Authors: Jonna Koivisto & Juho Hamari

  • Affiliations:

    • Gamification Group, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Finland

    • Gamification Group, Faculty of Humanities, University of Turku, Finland

  • Contact:

    • jonna.koivisto@tuni.fi

    • juho.hamari@tuni.fi

Abstract

• Gamification aims to enhance the motivation of individuals in various activities by incorporating game-like elements.

• In health and exercise contexts, it is intended to address the motivational challenges that often accompany physical activities.

• There is a noted lack of empirical research on the effects of gamification, particularly in health contexts, leading to potentially harmful claims.

• This systematic review focuses on 16 comparative studies to assess different gamification types, their goals, outcomes, and results.

• Findings indicate that while some positive outcomes were observed, more rigorous study designs yielded less optimistic results, particularly due to reliance on self-reported data rather than objective measurements.

Introduction and Background

• Gamification is prevalent in health and exercise to enhance motivation.

  • Often implemented in contexts lacking intrinsic motivation (education, work, health).

• Location-based games (like Pokémon Go) and exergames have modernized gaming relevance in physical activities.

• Intentional gamification looks to leverage game mechanics to improve health outcomes.

Literature Review & Methodology

• Despite predictions of gamification's effectiveness, rigorous literature examining its effects is sparse, especially in health sciences.

• This systematic review analyzes existing comparison studies focused on gamification's impact on physical activity among adults.

• Inclusion Criteria:

  • Studies must involve adults (≥18 years), have game/gamification interventions, and report outcomes regarding physical activity.

Search Procedure

• Conducted in November 2018 across Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed databases using specific search terms related to gamification and physical activity.

• Total Records Retrieved: 356

  • After duplicates and irrelevant records were removed, 243 were screened based on predetermined PICOS criteria.

Flow of Literature Selection

• 356 records identified

• 243 after duplicates removed

• 147 excluded based on title and abstract

• 96 full-text articles assessed

• 16 studies included in final synthesis based on eligibility evaluation.

Analysis

• 12 out of 16 studies were published in journals versus conferences.

• Most interventions utilized common gamification affordances such as points and performance rankings.

  • Collaborative mechanics also featured prominently.

  • Innovative features noted include real-world activities converted to game-like elements and competitive aspects to encourage engagement.

Affordances in Reviewed Studies

• Points, score: 8 studies

• Goals: 8 studies

• Leaderboard: 5 studies

• Teams/leagues: 5 studies

• Virtual rewards: 4 studies

• Badges: 3 studies

Outcome Measures Examined

• Physical activity (subjective): 8 studies

• Active time (objective): 4 studies

• Engagement with app: 3 studies

• Knowledge related to health: 2 studies

• Enjoyment of physical activity: 2 studies

Study Designs

• 10 studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT), with varying levels of blinding reported.

• Overall, 8 studies reported at least partially positive outcomes; however, 7 studies showed no statistically significant improvements compared to controls.

• Findings suggest more controlled study settings yield less optimistic results.

Discussion

• Challenges identified include:

  • Limited studies available (only 16 identified).

  • Predominance of multi-affordance interventions which make assessing individual element effectiveness difficult.

• While gamification shows positive potential, empirical rigor is needed.

  • Calls for focused investigation on singular elements rather than composite interventions to enhance understanding of effectiveness.

Impacts of Study Design Quality

• More rigorous studies indicate mixed or neutral results, thus warranting improved quality assessment and methodological rigor in future research to substantiate gamification's health benefits.

Acknowledgements

• Supported by Business Finland and Academy of Finland among other partners.