“Playing with Little Behaviors”; Physical Activity Promotion by Gamified Education in Young Boys

Background:

Physical activity is affecting every aspect of our life. A sedentary lifestyle can be the risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCD) or premature death all over the world. Several studies demonstrate that school‑based physical activity promotion is an important solution to make healthy behaviors, especially in children and adolescents. In this vein, the current research evaluates a model for physical activity, which is promoted through a game among high school students.

Methods:

In this study, 47 high school’s 10th‑grade boys from Tehran were requited. The game scenario included the suggestion of some behaviors which can increase daily physical activity by each student, like or dislike each behavior by other students, counting likes, selecting the most‑liked behaviors, and rewarding their proposers. After a week, the behavioral recall was assessed and compared with a control group who had been heard these behaviors in the class without gamification.

Results:

The participants in the game could recall physical activity behaviors significantly more than peers in the control group.

Conclusions:

The findings show gamification could significantly improve the effectiveness of education for normal behaviors in physical activity.