Gamification in a Physical Activity App: What Gamification Features Are Being Used, by Whom, and Does It Make a Difference?

Abstract

Background: Gamification is purported to enhance engagement with health behavior apps, ultimately improving their effectiveness. This study aimed to examine (1) whether the inclusion of gamification features in a physical activity smartphone app was associated with improved app usage and goal adherence, describe (2) use of the gamification features, and (3) by whom, and determine (4) whether engagement was associated with increased physical activity. Methods: Data from community-dwelling adult participants (mean age 42.1 years, standard deviation [SD 11.9], 74% female) in the gamified (n = 134) and nongamified (n = 155) conditions from a three-group randomized controlled trial were analyzed. Physical activity was assessed at baseline and 9 months using a survey and accelerometers. App usage (number of days steps were logged), goal adherence (number of days step count was q10,000), and behavioral engagement with gamification features were obtained from server logs. Multilevel modeling was used to examine the study aims. Results: Participants who received the gamified app showed more days of usage than those who received the nongamified app (M = 113 days [SD 88] vs. M = 81 days [SD 54], P = 0.006), whereas goal adherence did not differ between groups. The leaderboard and ''status'' gamification features were the most frequently used gamification features (M = 83 [SD 114] and M = 50 [SD 67] views, respectively). Older age (P = 0.008) and lower body mass index (P = 0.004) were associated with more status views. Participants who reported higher stress symptoms sent more gifts (P = 0.04). The use of gamification features was associated with increased physical activity (P = 0.04). Conclusion:The gamified app was used substantially longer than the nongamified app. Use of gamification features was positively associated with change in physical activity. Leaderboards promoting social comparison may be a promising form of gamification. Research on different forms of gamification is warranted.

The impact of a gamified intervention on daily steps in real-life conditions: a retrospective analysis of 4800 individuals

“…Whether in a global way the literature on gamification shows cautiously positive results in the use of gamification for older people, 31 the present results are in line with a previous study 32 which found that older users had a greater degree of use of the gamification features. The authors proposed the explanation that older adults pay generally more attention to their health and thus have a stronger intention to engage in a health program.…”

“…These results are consistent with previous findings demonstrating that higher use of gamification features was associated with greater intervention effectiveness. 32,34 If gamification can ultimately increase program engagement, developers need first to design their apps to be as attractive as possible and optimize retention.…”

“…Moreover, various studies demonstrated that leader-boards are a particularly successful gamification mechanic. 32,37…”

Experience and Satisfaction with a Family-Based Physical Activity Intervention Using Activity Trackers and Apps: A Qualitative Study

“…In particular, the gamified features in the child app (e.g., getting coins, virtual adventure trail, family leaderboard) were well-received by the children, and this promoted their engagement with the activity tracker and app. This aligns with many technology-based physical activity interventions’ [ 42 , 48 , 49 , 50 ] showing that social comparison and gamification embedded in activity trackers and apps enhances participants’ intervention engagement. In turn, high intervention engagement is known to positively influence interventions’ effects on physical activity [ 51 ].…”

Design Features Associated With Engagement in Mobile Health Physical Activity Interventions Among Youth: Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies

“…When comparing the results with those of research in adults, several features are shared, such as a simple and structured interface, tailored and positive feedback on PA levels [ 43 , 44 , 89 , 90 ], progress [ 90 ], well-designed reminders (eg, timing and frequency of notifications) [ 26 , 43 , 44 , 89 ], rewards [ 43 , 44 , 49 , 91 - 93 ], self-monitoring [ 26 , 43 , 44 ], goal-setting, [ 43 , 44 ], clear navigation [ 43 , 44 ], accurate tracking function [ 43 ], personalization (eg, goals) [ 94 ], and the offer of a variety of features [ 43 , 95 ]. Technical difficulties were also negatively influencing engagement in adults [ 43 , 89 ].…”