Gamification to Promote Physical Activity in Youth and Mothers With Obesity

Physical inactivity and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption are associated with obesity. Gamification and self-monitoring to promote physical activity in youth is unknown, but evidence of effectiveness is present in adults. This study examined the effects of a gamification intervention on increased steps per day among parent-adolescent dyads with obesity compared with digital self-monitoring and if self-monitored SSB intake differed between these arms.

Youth ages 10-16 years and their mothers (N = 39 pairs), both with obesity, were randomized to a self-monitoring (N = 18) or a self-monitoring plus gamification arm (N = 21) for 9 weeks. The step goal was set and incrementally increased each week and was measured with Fitbit devices. Mixed effects linear regression examined changes in steps and SSB consumption per day, per week by study arm.

During run-in, mothers averaged 8317 and youth 7508 steps per day. Compared with self-monitoring alone, gamification did not increase daily steps in mothers or youth beyond baseline levels. On average, SSB intake decreased in mothers by approximately 0.5 servings per day; occurred in both arms and persisted throughout the intervention.

Gamification did not promote physical activity levels in mother-youth dyads with obesity. SSB intake declined in mothers with obesity in both study arms.