Gamification for Family Engagement in Lifestyle Interventions: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Chronic conditions are often modifiable through lifestyle changes.
• Traditional lifestyle interventions lack sustainability.
• Family involvement and gamification can enhance intervention engagement and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review lifestyle interventions involving family members for gamification elements.
• To identify the extent of family support and gamification in lifestyle interventions.
• To explore the potential of these combined approaches for chronic condition management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework.
• Inclusion of studies on lifestyle interventions with family members and game design elements.
• Analysis of 61 studies reporting on 50 independent interventions.

Main Results:

• Most lifestyle interventions included at least one game design element.
• Limited gamification elements were used in combination.
• Social relatedness elements (e.g., storylines) and technology utilization were notably underdeveloped.

Conclusions:

• Family-involved, gamified lifestyle interventions have potential but require refinement.
• Future research should focus on meaningful gamification, social elements, and technology integration.
• Developing training for researchers on effective gamification is crucial for improving intervention outcomes.