Gamification of physical activity: A systematic literature review of comparison studies

Jonna Koivisto, Juho Hamari

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Gamification is commonly implemented with the goal of transforming activities, systems and services to afford similar experiences and motivational support as games do. In health and exercise contexts, the motivational support drawn from games is considered to encourage performing these activities that commonly lack motivation. However, an empirically rigorous body of literature examining the effects of gamification has been lacking. This is especially problematic in health contexts where unfounded claims can have detrimental effects. This systematic literature review of 16 comparison studies on gamification of physical activity examines what kinds of gamification have been studied in the pursuit of which outcomes, and what results the studies have attained. The results show that gamification of physical activity has provided positively oriented results; however, with more rigorous study designs the results are less optimistic. Research is focused on measuring performed physical activity, but mostly relies on self-reported data instead of objective measurement.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication3rd International GamiFIN Conference, GamiFIN 2019
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 3rd International GamiFIN Conference
PublisherCEUR-WS
Pages106-117
Number of pages12
Volume2359
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Publication typeA4 Article in conference proceedings
EventInternational GamiFIN Conference - Levi, Finland
Duration: 8 Apr 201910 Apr 2019

Publication series

NameCEUR Workshop Proceedings
Volume2359
ISSN (Print)1613-0073

Conference

ConferenceInternational GamiFIN Conference
Country/TerritoryFinland
CityLevi
Period8/04/1910/04/19

Keywords

  • Gamification
  • Literature review
  • Physical activity

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science

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