Gamifying Movement: A Comprehensive Survey of Physical Activity Interventions

Area of Science:

• Health Behavior
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Gamification integrates game elements into interventions to boost physical activity (PA) engagement.
• Existing research systematically analyzes gamified PA interventions, focusing on specific gamification elements and motivational techniques.
• A gap exists between academic research trends and real-world applications in gamified PA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze gamification elements and motivational techniques in PA interventions.
• To introduce and validate the EAM Score Algorithm for quantifying the impact of these elements on engagement, adherence, and motivation.
• To assess the alignment between research trends and practical application in 20 PA apps.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review across six academic databases.
• Development and application of the EAM Score Algorithm to quantify gamification elements and motivational techniques.
• Analysis of 20 physical activity applications to compare with literature findings.

Main Results:

• Engagement techniques (48.3%) are most prevalent in literature, followed by adherence (24.5%).
• Behavioral Change Techniques (BCTs) are the most frequent motivational strategies (52%).
• Health4Life demonstrates a balanced approach; PuzzleWalk needs stronger adherence strategies; OnTheMove! requires enhanced motivational components.

Conclusions:

• Gamified PA interventions show a moderate overall EAM Score, indicating room for improvement in balancing engagement, adherence, and motivation.
• The EAM Score Algorithm provides a framework for evaluating and optimizing gamified PA interventions.
• Real-world app analysis highlights specific areas for enhancement to improve user engagement and adherence.