Large-Scale Fandom-based Gamification Intervention to Increase Physical Activity: A Quasi-experimental Study.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral economics
• Public health interventions
• Digital health

Background:

• Gamification and behavioral economics are increasingly used for behavior change.
• Effectiveness and long-term scalability of gamified interventions are not well understood.
• Novel approaches are needed to promote physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test a large-scale smartphone intervention using gamification to promote physical activity.
• To leverage sports fandom and interteam competition for behavior change.
• To assess the effectiveness and scalability of a gamified physical activity intervention.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental study of Japanese Pacific League baseball fans.
• Utilized the "Pa-League Walk" app with gamification elements and interteam competition.
• Analyzed daily steps of 20,052 app users and survey data from 274 users and 613 controls using difference-in-differences.

Main Results:

• App users increased daily steps by 574 (95% CI, 83-1064) at 3 months, maintained for 9 months.
• High app usage frequency positively modified the effect on physical activity.
• Incentives (digital player photographs) increased 10,000-step days from 24.4% to 27.5%.

Conclusions:

• Gamification apps can effectively increase physical activity at scale by utilizing existing fandom.
• The intervention successfully engaged baseball fans, including those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
• This approach offers a scalable model for public health initiatives, particularly for underrepresented groups.