How does gamified delivery affect daily step counts for those with Physical Inactivity?
Gamification involves using game-like elements, such as points, leaderboards, and rewards, to encourage people to be more active. For individuals experiencing physical inactivity, these digital tools can serve as a way to increase engagement and improve daily movement.
Research shows that the specific way these gamified features are delivered can impact how many steps a person takes each day.
What the research says
A 12-week study of young adults found that cumulative delivery of gamified elements—which includes points, leaderboards, and social interaction—increased daily step counts by an average of 2,326 steps 1. This specific method outperformed other methods, such as sequential delivery or using a commercial mobile game 1.
Other studies show that adding team-based gamification (like competition and rewards) to fitness watch apps can improve physical activity in college students compared to those who only use the tracking features 2. While technology like trackers and apps can increase daily steps by about 1,113 on average in the short term for older adults, these benefits may not last over long periods of time 4.
What to ask your doctor
- What types of gamified mobile health (mHealth) tools are most effective for increasing daily steps?
- Can a fitness tracker or app help me stay consistent with my activity goals in the short term?
- Are there specific features, like leaderboards or rewards, that you recommend to help keep me motivated?
- How can I ensure that any digital tool I use helps me maintain long-term physical activity?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Nutrition & Obesity Medicine and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.