Increasing physical activity is critical for children's overall health. Smartphone apps using gamification has shown promise to increasing physical activity using game techniques. This study is a 4-week randomized controlled trial using a gamified smartphone app to determine acceptability and preliminary effectiveness to increase physical activity in children.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
160
The primary objective was to determine the acceptability and satisfaction of the Draco app among children. Secondary objective was to evaluate if the Draco app could improve physical activity levels (steps, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and intrinsic motivation for physical activity in children. The gamified smartphone app, Draco, is a virtual pet simulator where you care for a pet by exercising, walking, and answering healthy lifestyle questions.
Participants were asked to use the Fitbit app to track and sync their daily physical activity.
University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
RECRUITINGUser satisfaction with gamified smartphone app
User satisfaction was measured using an adapted version of the short form Intrinsic Motivation Inventory used by Ahn, Johnsen \& Ball, 2019. Items pertained to the enjoyment, satisfaction of using the app and if the experience was unenjoyable. Scores are rated on a 5 point Likert scale where 1 is the lowest score and 5 is the highest. 1 = Not true for me; 2 = Not really true for me; 3 = Sometimes true for me; 4 = Often true for me; 5 = Very true for me.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Acceptability with gamified smartphone app
Exit interviews were performed after the intervention period to determine satisfaction and acceptability. Questions related to their experience using the app, their physical activity behavior (before, during, and after the intervention period) and recommendations for app content
Time frame: 4 weeks
Steps
Steps were collected using a Fitbit over the intervention period. Fitbit is a previously validated and reliable instrument to measure physical activity (Feehan et al., 2018).
Time frame: 4 weeks
Physical activity minutes
Minutes of physical activity engaged in by the participants were collected using a Fitbit device worn by participants. The device is worn while the participant is engaging in physical activity. The intensity of exercise is calculated by heartrate. Fitbit is a previously validated and reliable instrument to measure physical activity (Feehan et al., 2018).
Time frame: 4 weeks
Motivation for physical activity
Motivation for physical activity was measured using an adapted version of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory used by Ahn, Johnsen \& Ball, 2019. Questions related to perceived competence to physical activity, perceived autonomy to physical activity and perceived relatedness to the app. The items addressed perceived competence, perceived autonomy, and relatedness. Scores are rated on a 5 point Likert scale where 1 is the lowest score and 5 is the highest. 1 = Not true for me; 2 = Not really true for me; 3 = Sometimes true for me; 4 = Often true for me; 5 = Very true for me.
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Time frame: 4 weeks