Gamification Elements in Physical Activity Interventions: Scoping Review and Taxonomy Based on the Octalysis...

Physical inactivity affects approximately 1.4 billion adults globally, representing a major public health challenge. Gamification shows potential in addressing global inactivity by boosting motivation. The widely recognized Gamification Octalysis Framework, which emphasizes human motivation over mere functionality, can be used to summarize gamification elements in physical activity (PA) applications. However, previous reviews have mainly examined the effectiveness of gamified PA interventions, with limited attention to how gamification elements are linked to motivational mechanisms and behavior change techniques (BCTs). Additionally, the integration of identified BCTs can help connect game elements and health behavior change.

This scoping review aimed to map and categorize gamification elements used in PA interventions according to the Octalysis Framework, identify associated BCTs, and describe reported outcome domains and design gaps to inform future gamified PA intervention development.

The review protocol was prospectively registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD420251077817). The scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). A total of seven databases (ie, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Psychological Information) were selected and searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from inception to July 7, 2026. Two reviewers (SJL and LQ) independently conducted study selection and gamification-element coding. Data charting was performed by one reviewer (SJL) and verified by another (LQ).

A total of 53 RCTs and 34 unique interventions were included in this review. The studies reported a variety of outcomes, including user retention, behavioral changes, psychological impacts, and health-related indicators. The most frequently adopted BCT elements were "2.2 feedback on behavior" and "1.1 goal setting (behavior)." Moreover, using the Octalysis framework, a taxonomy was developed, identifying 48 gamification elements (eg, narrative, mentoring, and points loss) across 8 core motivational drives. The majority of BCTs were mapped to 2 core motivations (ie, empowerment and accomplishment), while some BCTs were not supported by gamification elements.

This scoping review complements previous effectiveness-focused reviews by examining how gamified PA interventions are designed and which motivational and behavior change functions they target. By developing an Octalysis-based taxonomy of 48 gamification elements and mapping these elements against BCTs, this review provides a descriptive, design-oriented evidence map of commonly used design patterns and underrepresented behavior change functions. The findings may support more deliberate and transparent selection, combination, and reporting of gamification elements in future PA interventions. However, they should not be interpreted as evidence of the effectiveness of individual gamification elements, and further research is needed to evaluate how specific design configurations influence engagement and PA outcomes.