Health promotion through physical activity applications using gamification

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Behavioral Science
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for accessible physical activity solutions.
• Sedentary lifestyles pose a growing global health challenge.
• Exercise applications offer a potential avenue for maintaining physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gamification on user engagement in physical activity applications.
• To identify specific gamification components that enhance user attraction, involvement, and flow.
• To develop a model for designing effective gamified exercise applications.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research methodology.
• Content analysis of existing data to identify gamification elements.
• Development of a conceptual model for gamified exercise applications.

Main Results:

• Identified key gamification components: narration, feedback, levels, and progress boards.
• Emphasized the importance of social aspects like team building and sharing.
• Highlighted the role of specific game dynamics and mechanics in user engagement.

Conclusions:

• Gamification is a viable strategy to increase user engagement in physical activity applications.
• A model incorporating identified components can guide the development of effective exercise apps.
• Findings are relevant for designers and developers of health and exercise technology.