Cited by 110Educational Games and GamificationMobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsInnovative Human-Technology Interaction

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 9 of the 9 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Gamification Use and Design in Popular Health and Fitness Mobile Applications

Open access

Cotton, Victor, Patel, Mitesh S.·2019·American Journal of Health Promotion

DOI 10.1177/0890117118790394PMC PMC6348030

Open this paper in CoChat — free account

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the presence of gamification in popular mobile applications and whether principles from behavioral economics were incorporated in the design. Design: The top 50 ranked free health and fitness applications were downloaded. Gamification elements were predetermined through literature review, and applications were evaluated for their presence. Setting: App Store by Apple Inc. Measures: Presence of gamification, type of game element, and use of behavioral economic principles. Analysis: We classified the types and frequencies of targeted behaviors and features of gamification. Use of behavioral economic principles focused on designing rewards or points using loss aversion (allocated upfront and could be lost), variable reinforcement (not allocated constantly), and probability inflation (using drawings or lottery designs). Results: Gamification was used by 64% of mobile applications. Most applications that included gamification (97%) targeted behaviors related to physical activity and weight loss. Applications focused on other areas such as reproductive health, meditation, and sleep used gamification less often (11%). Game elements used most commonly included goal setting (78%), social influences (78%), and challenges (63%), while less common elements included points (6%) and levels (3%). No applications incorporated behavioral economics principles specified in the study. Conclusions: Gamification was commonly used by popular health and fitness mobile applications, but none used the specified behavioral economic principles to design rewards or points. Mobile applications could potentially improve their use if their design better leveraged principles from behavioral economics.

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1177/0890117118790394

Cites

9 of 9 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

The self-check needs the paper’s full text.

Prospect Theory: An Analysis of Decision under Risk
Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1979) · Econometrica · doi:10.2307/1914185 · Cited by 48,524
The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis
Jones, F. N., & Skinner, B. F. (1939) · The American Journal of Psychology · doi:10.2307/1416495 · Cited by 4,388
Just a Fad? Gamification in Health and Fitness Apps
Lister, C., West, J. H., Cannon, B., Sax, T., & Brodegard, D. (2014) · JMIR Serious Games · doi:10.2196/games.3413 · Cited by 489
Gamification for health promotion: systematic review of behaviour change techniques in smartphone apps
Edwards, E. A., Lumsden, J., Rivas, C. A., Steed, L., Edwards, L. A., Thiyagarajan, A., Sohanpal, R., Caton, H., Griffiths, C., Munafo, M. R., et al. (2016) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012447 · Cited by 479
Framing Financial Incentives to Increase Physical Activity Among Overweight and Obese Adults
Patel, M. S., Asch, D. A., Rosin, R. M., Small, D. S., Bellamy, S. L., Heuer, J., Sproat, S., Hyson, C., Haff, N., Lee, S. M., et al. (2016) · Annals of Internal Medicine · doi:10.7326/m15-1635 · Cited by 257
Self-citation
Effect of a Game-Based Intervention Designed to Enhance Social Incentives to Increase Physical Activity Among Families: The BE FIT Randomized Clinical Trial
Patel, M. S., Benjamin, E. J., Volpp, K. G., Fox, C. S., Small, D. S., Massaro, J. M., Lee, J. J., Hilbert, V., Valentino, M., Taylor, D. H., et al. (2017) · JAMA Internal Medicine · doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.3458 · Cited by 218
Self-citation
The Role of Behavioral Economic Incentive Design and Demographic Characteristics in Financial Incentive-Based Approaches to Changing Health Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis
Haff, N., Patel, M. S., Lim, R. K. S., Zhu, J., Troxel, A. B., Asch, D. A., & Volpp, K. G. M. (2015) · American Journal of Health Promotion · doi:10.4278/ajhp.140714-lit-333 · Cited by 148
Self-citation
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Lottery-Based Financial Incentives to Increase Physical Activity Among Overweight and Obese Adults
Patel, M. S., Volpp, K. G. M., Rosin, R. M., Bellamy, S. L., Small, D. S., Heuer, J., Sproat, S., Hyson, C., Haff, N., Lee, S. M., et al. (2018) · American Journal of Health Promotion · doi:10.1177/0890117118758932 · Cited by 84
Self-citation
Using Wearable Devices and Smartphones to Track Physical Activity: Initial Activation, Sustained Use, and Step Counts Across Sociodemographic Characteristics in a National Sample
Patel, M. S., Foschini, L., Kurtzman, G. W., Zhu, J., Wang, W., Rareshide, C. A. L., & Zbikowski, S. M. (2017) · Annals of Internal Medicine · doi:10.7326/m17-1495 · Cited by 57
Self-citation

Show all 9 references

Research works printed but not linked: 1

Patel MS, 2018, Am J Health Promot, 890117118758932

Sorted by citations

System Usability Scale Benchmarking for Digital Health Apps: Meta-analysis
Hyzy, M., Bond, R., Mulvenna, M., Bai, L., Dix, A., Leigh, S., & Hunt, S. (2022) · JMIR mHealth and uHealth · doi:10.2196/37290 · Cited by 510
“A study from 2017, where the top 50 health and fitness apps were downloaded from the Apple app store, found that physical activity and weight loss apps most frequently (97%) used gamification [36].”
Background
Do smartphone applications and activity trackers increase physical activity in adults? Systematic review, meta-analysis and metaregression
Laranjo, L., Ding, D., Heleno, B., Kocaballi, B., Quiroz, J. C., Tong, H. L., Chahwan, B., Neves, A. L., Gabarron, E., Dao, K. P., et al. (2021) · British Journal of Sports Medicine · doi:10.1136/bjsports-2020-102892 · Cited by 400
Gamification for student engagement: a framework
Rivera, E. S., & Garden, C. L. P. (2021) · Journal of Further and Higher Education · doi:10.1080/0309877x.2021.1875201 · Cited by 306
Effectiveness of Behaviorally Designed Gamification Interventions With Social Incentives for Increasing Physical Activity Among Overweight and Obese Adults Across the United States
Patel, M. S., Small, D. S., Harrison, J. D., Fortunato, M. P., Oon, A. L., Rareshide, C. A. L., Reh, G., Szwartz, G., Guszcza, J., Steier, D. M., et al. (2019) · JAMA Internal Medicine · doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.3505 · Cited by 179
Self-citation
Smartphone apps for depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis of techniques to increase engagement
Wu, A., Scult, M. A., Barnes, E. D., Betancourt, J. A., Falk, A. E., & Gunning, F. M. (2021) · npj Digital Medicine · doi:10.1038/s41746-021-00386-8 · Cited by 174
Developing and implementing a gamification method to improve user engagement: A case study with an m-Health application for hypertension monitoring
Cechetti, N. P., Bellei, E. A., Biduski, D., Rodriguez, J. P. M., Roman, M. K., & Marchi, A. C. B. D. (2019) · Telematics and Informatics · doi:10.1016/j.tele.2019.04.007 · Cited by 156
The Use of Artificial Intelligence–Based Conversational Agents (Chatbots) for Weight Loss: Scoping Review and Practical Recommendations
Chew, H. S. J. (2022) · JMIR Medical Informatics · doi:10.2196/32578 · Cited by 160
Determinants of physical activity maintenance during the Covid-19 pandemic: a focus on fitness apps
Yang, Y., & Koenigstorfer, J. (2020) · Translational Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1093/tbm/ibaa086 · Cited by 129
Nudging to move: a scoping review of the use of choice architecture interventions to promote physical activity in the general population
Forberger, S., Reisch, L. A., Kampfmann, T., & Zeeb, H. (2019) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/s12966-019-0844-z · Cited by 112
Gamification of cooperation: A framework, literature review and future research agenda
Riar, M., Morschheuser, B., Zarnekow, R., & Hamari, J. (2022) · International Journal of Information Management · doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2022.102549 · Cited by 108
Gaming elements, applications, and challenges of gamification in healthcare
Al-Rayes, S., Yaqoub, F. A. A., Alfayez, A., Alsalman, D., Alanezi, F., Alyousef, S. M., AlNujaidi, H. Y., AlSaif, A. K., Attar, R. W., Aljabri, D., et al. (2022) · Informatics in Medicine Unlocked · doi:10.1016/j.imu.2022.100974 · Cited by 110
Engaging Users in the Behavior Change Process With Digitalized Motivational Interviewing and Gamification: Development and Feasibility Testing of the Precious App
Nurmi, J., Knittle, K. P., Ginchev, T., Khattak, F., Helf, C., Zwickl, P., Castellano‐Tejedor, C., Lusilla, P., Costa‐Requena, J., Ravaja, N., et al. (2019) · JMIR mhealth and uhealth · doi:10.2196/12884 · Cited by 110
Smart Devices for Health and Wellness Applied to Tele-Exercise: An Overview of New Trends and Technologies Such as IoT and AI
Fabbrizio, A., Fucarino, A., Cantoia, M. E. A., Giorgio, A. D., Garrido, N. D., Iuliano, E., Reis, V. M., Sausa, M., Vilaça‐Alves, J., Zimatore, G., et al. (2023) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare11121805 · Cited by 105
Video Games, Obesity, and Children
Kracht, C. L., Joseph, E. D., & Staiano, A. E. (2020) · Current Obesity Reports · doi:10.1007/s13679-020-00368-z · Cited by 83
Determinants of Fitness App Usage and Moderating Impacts of Education-, Motivation-, and Gamification-Related App Features on Physical Activity Intentions: Cross-sectional Survey Study
Yang, Y., & Koenigstorfer, J. (2021) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/26063 · Cited by 109
Status of the research in fitness apps: A bibliometric analysis
Liu, Y., & Avelló, M. (2020) · Telematics and Informatics · doi:10.1016/j.tele.2020.101506 · Cited by 90
Effect of Behaviorally Designed Gamification With Social Incentives on Lifestyle Modification Among Adults With Uncontrolled Diabetes
Patel, M. S., Small, D. S., Harrison, J. D., Hilbert, V., Fortunato, M. P., Oon, A. L., Rareshide, C. A. L., & Volpp, K. G. M. (2021) · JAMA Network Open · doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.10255 · Cited by 76
Self-citation
The Effects of Gamification and Oral Self-Care on Oral Hygiene in Children: Systematic Search in App Stores and Evaluation of Apps
Fijačko, N., Gosak, L., Cilar, L., Novšak, A., Creber, R. M., Skok, P., & Štiglic, G. (2020) · JMIR mhealth and uhealth · doi:10.2196/16365 · Cited by 68
Design Features Associated with User Engagement in Digital Games for Healthy Lifestyle Promotion in Youth: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies
Schwarz, A. F., Huertas‐Delgado, F. J., Cardon, G., & DeSmet, A. (2020) · Games for Health Journal · doi:10.1089/g4h.2019.0058 · Cited by 61
Does gender really matter? Exploring determinants behind consumers' intention to use contactless fitness services during the COVID-19 pandemic: a focus on health and fitness apps
Zhu, Y., Wang, R., Zeng, R., & Pu, C. (2022) · Internet Research · doi:10.1108/intr-07-2021-0454 · Cited by 59
How a company’s gamification strategy influences corporate learning: A study based on gamified MSLP (Mobile social learning platform)
Kim, S. (2020) · Telematics and Informatics · doi:10.1016/j.tele.2020.101505 · Cited by 63
Effect of Gamification With and Without Financial Incentives to Increase Physical Activity Among Veterans Classified as Having Obesity or Overweight
Agarwal, A. K., Waddell, K. J., Small, D. S., Evans, C. N., Harrington, T. O., DJARAHER, R. L., Oon, A. L., & Patel, M. S. (2021) · JAMA Network Open · doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.16256 · Cited by 51
Self-citation
RETRACTED: Capturing potential impact of challenge-based gamification on gamified quizzing in the classroom
Anunpattana, P., Khalid, M. N. A., Iida, H., & Inchamnan, W. (2021) · Heliyon · doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08637 · Cited by 69
Retracted
Effects of Gamified Smartphone Applications on Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yang, Y., Hu, H., & Koenigstorfer, J. (2021) · American Journal of Preventive Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2021.10.005 · Cited by 38
Effect of digital health applications with or without gamification on physical activity and cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Nishi, S. K., Kavanagh, M. E., Ramboanga, K., Ayoub-Charette, S., Modol, S., Dias, G. M., Kendall, C. W. C., Sievenpiper, J. L., & Chiavaroli, L. (2024) · eClinicalMedicine · doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102798 · Cited by 37
Design Features Associated With Engagement in Mobile Health Physical Activity Interventions Among Youth: Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Studies
Schwarz, A. F., Winkens, L. H. H., de Vet, E., Ossendrijver, D., Bouwsema, K., & Simons, M. (2022) · JMIR mhealth and uhealth · doi:10.2196/40898 · Cited by 35
Enhancing satisfaction among Vietnamese students through gamification: The mediating role of engagement and learning effectiveness
Nguyen‐Viet, B., & Nguyen-Viet, B. (2023) · Cogent Education · doi:10.1080/2331186x.2023.2265276 · Cited by 39
A field experiment on gamification of physical activity – Effects on motivation and steps
Grech, E. M., Briguglio, M., & Said, E. (2023) · International Journal of Human-Computer Studies · doi:10.1016/j.ijhcs.2023.103205 · Cited by 40
Changing health behaviours in rheumatology: an introduction to behavioural economics
Ogdie, A., & Asch, D. A. (2019) · Nature Reviews Rheumatology · doi:10.1038/s41584-019-0336-1 · Cited by 27
Mobile Applications for Training Plan Using Android Devices: A Systematic Review and a Taxonomy Proposal
Tavares, B. F., Pires, I. M., Marques, G., García, N. M., Zdravevski, E., Lameski, P., Trajkovik, V., & Jevremović, A. (2020) · Information · doi:10.3390/info11070343 · Cited by 27
Smartphone-based gamification intervention to increase physical activity participation among patients with coronary heart disease: A randomized controlled trial
Xu, L., Tong, Q., Zhang, X., Yu, T., Lian, X., Yu, T., Falter, M., Scherrenberg, M., Kaihara, T., Kizilkilic, S. E., et al. (2023) · Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare · doi:10.1177/1357633x221150943 · Cited by 27
The Role of Steps and Game Elements in Gamified Fitness Tracker Apps: A Systematic Review
Neupane, A., Hansen, D. L., Fails, J. A., & Sharma, A. (2021) · Multimodal Technologies and Interaction · doi:10.3390/mti5020005 · Cited by 28
Designing the Optimal Digital Health Intervention for Patients’ Use Before and After Elective Orthopedic Surgery: Qualitative Study
Robinson, A., Slight, R. D., Husband, A., & Slight, S. P. (2021) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/25885 · Cited by 22
A Review of Gamified Fitness Tracker Apps and Future Directions
Neupane, A., Hansen, D. L., Sharma, A., Fails, J. A., Neupane, B., & Beutler, J. (2020) · Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play · doi:10.1145/3410404.3414258 · Cited by 24
Bright spots, physical activity investments that (almost) worked: Carrot Rewards app, driving engagement with pennies a day
Rondina, R., Pearson, E., Harry Prapavessis, A., White, L., Richard, S., & Mitchell, M. (2019) · British Journal of Sports Medicine · doi:10.1136/bjsports-2019-100969 · Cited by 18
Mobile health-based gamification intervention to increase physical activity participation among patients with coronary heart disease: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Xu, L., Li, J., Zhang, X., Pang, Y., Yu, T., Lian, X., Yu, T., Zhu, L., Tong, Q., & Li, F. (2022) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054623 · Cited by 20
Real world usage characteristics of a novel mobile health self-monitoring device: Results from the Scanadu Consumer Health Outcomes (SCOUT) Study
Waalen, J., Peters, M., Ranamukhaarachchi, D. G., Li, J., Ebner, G. S., Senkowsky, J., Topol, E. J., & Steinhubl, S. R. (2019) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0215468 · Cited by 16
Remotely Monitored Gamification and Social Incentives to Improve Glycemic Control Among Adults With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes (iDiabetes): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Fortunato, M. P., Harrison, J. D., Oon, A. L., Small, D. S., Hilbert, V., Rareshide, C. A. L., & Patel, M. S. (2019) · JMIR Research Protocols · doi:10.2196/14180 · Cited by 16
Self-citation
Harnessing technology and gamification to increase adult physical activity: a cluster randomized controlled trial of the Columbia Moves pilot
Monroe, C. M., Cai, B., Edney, S. M., Jake‐Schoffman, D. E., Brazendale, K., Bucko, A., Armstrong, B., Yang, C., & Turner‐McGrievy, G. M. (2023) · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/s12966-023-01530-1 · Cited by 21
Social incentives to encourage physical activity and understand predictors (STEP UP): Design and rationale of a randomized trial among overweight and obese adults across the United States
Harrison, J. D., Jones, J. M., Small, D. S., Rareshide, C. A. L., Szwartz, G., Steier, D. M., Guszcza, J., Kalra, P., Torio, B., Reh, G., et al. (2019) · Contemporary Clinical Trials · doi:10.1016/j.cct.2019.04.001 · Cited by 17
Self-citation
Intrinsic motivations in health and fitness app engagement: A mediation model of entertainment
Thi, T. D. P., & Duong, N. T. (2025) · Digital Health · doi:10.1177/20552076251326151 · Cited by 14
Lessons and Untapped Potential of Smartphone-Based Physical Activity Interventions for Mental Health: Narrative Review
Bernstein, E. E., Wolfe, E. C., Huguenel, B. M., & Wilhelm, S. (2023) · JMIR mhealth and uhealth · doi:10.2196/45860 · Cited by 20
Exploring the Impact of Gamified Experiences on User Engagement in Fitness Apps: A GAMEFULQUEST Perspective
Rehman, U., Abbasi, A. Z., Ting, D. H., Hassan, M. C., & Khair, N. (2023) · IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management · doi:10.1109/tem.2023.3347231 · Cited by 13
A Nudge Towards Cardiovascular Health: Applications of Behavioral Economics for Primary and Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention
Adusumalli, S., Aragam, G. G., & Patel, M. S. (2020) · Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine · doi:10.1007/s11936-020-00824-y · Cited by 14
Self-citation
Analysis of Strategies to Increase User Retention of Fitness Mobile Apps during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic
Kwon, J., Lee, J.-S., & Park, T.-S. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph191710814 · Cited by 13
An explorative analysis of the antecedents and consequents of gamification in the digital therapeutic context
Sestino, A., Bernardo, A., Rizzo, C., & Bresciani, S. (2023) · European Journal of Innovation Management · doi:10.1108/ejim-08-2023-0633 · Cited by 12
Risking Treasure: Testing Loss Aversion in an Adventure Game
Tomé, N. B. R., Klarkowski, M., Gutwin, C. A., Phillips, C. J., Mandryk, R. L., & Cockburn, A. (2020) · Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play · doi:10.1145/3410404.3414250 · Cited by 14
Analysis of Start-Up Digital Mental Health Platforms for Enterprise: Opportunities for Enhancing Communication between Managers and Employees
Truong, H., & McLachlan, C. S. (2022) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su14073929 · Cited by 12
Ethical Issues of Gamification in Healthcare
Coelho, L. P., & Reis, S. S. (2020) · Advances in medical technologies and clinical practice book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-7472-0.ch001 · Cited by 11
Money can’t buy happiness: A randomized controlled trial of a digital mental health app with versus without financial incentives
Chang, C., Palermo, E. H., Deswert, S., Brown, A., & Nuske, H. J. (2023) · Digital Health · doi:10.1177/20552076231170693 · Cited by 10
Gamification as a health education strategy of adolescents at school: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
dos Santos, T. T., Ríos, M. P., de Medeiros, G. C. B. S., Mata, Á. N. D. S., Silva, D. D. N., Martínez, D. G., & Piuvezam, G. (2023) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0294894 · Cited by 10
Gamification in mobile applications: techniques, benefits and challenges
Oliveira, M., Abelha, A., Sousa, R., & Peixoto, H. (2024) · Procedia Computer Science · doi:10.1016/j.procs.2024.11.168 · Cited by 10
Gameful education: a study of Gamifiter application's role in promoting physical activity and active lifestyle
Vorlíček, M., Prycl, D., Heidler, J., Herrador‐Colmenero, M., Nábělková, J., Mitáš, J., Hinckson, E. A., Mandic, S., & Frömel, K. (2024) · Smart Learning Environments · doi:10.1186/s40561-024-00355-0 · Cited by 15
The dark side of gamification: an experimental study on digital fitness apps
Bai, Z., Xu, C., Ailikamujiang, A., & Sun, Y. (2024) · Kybernetes · doi:10.1108/k-03-2024-0792 · Cited by 13
Lessons learned from investigating patients’ and physiotherapists’ perspectives on the design of a telerehabilitation platform
Amorim, P., Paiva, J., de Lima, J. S., da Fonseca, L. P., Martins, H., & Silva, P. A. (2023) · Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology · doi:10.1080/17483107.2023.2287160 · Cited by 8
Una app móvil potencia la motivación del alumnado en una experiencia de gamificación universitaria
Navarro-Mateos, C., & López, I. J. P. (2021) · Alteridad · doi:10.17163/alt.v17n1.2022.05 · Cited by 7
Research on Incentive Mechanism and Evaluation of Gamification Application for Sustainable Consumption in the Context of China
Sun, S., Wang, Z., Wu, Q., & Wang, W. (2022) · Frontiers in Sustainability · doi:10.3389/frsus.2022.846774 · Cited by 9
Calling HCI professionals into health research
Gotsis, M., & Jordan‐Marsh, M. (2018) · Panhellenic Conference on Informatics · doi:10.1145/3291533.3291562 · Cited by 6
Edublog in Physical Education as an instrument for coeducation, commitment and intention to be physically active | El Edublog en Educación Física como herramienta para la coeducación, el compromiso y la intención de ser físicamente activo
Postigo, L. L., Burgueño, R., González-Férnandez, F. T., & Oria, H. M. (2021) · ESPIRAL CUADERNOS DEL PROFESORADO · doi:10.25115/ecp.v14i28.3819 · Cited by 6
Mobility and outcomes for validated evidence – Incentive trial (MOVE IT): Randomized clinical trial study protocol
Greysen, H. M., Reale, C., Mercede, A., Patel, M. S., Small, D. S., Snider, C. K., Rareshide, C. A. L., Halpern, S. D., & Greysen, S. R. (2019) · Contemporary Clinical Trials · doi:10.1016/j.cct.2019.105911 · Cited by 6
Self-citation
Making Progress Monitoring Easier and More Motivating: Developing a Client Data Collection App Incorporating User-Centered Design and Behavioral Economics Insights
Nuske, H. J., Buck, J. E., Ramesh, B., Becker‐Haimes, E. M., Zentgraf, K. A., & Mandell, D. S. (2022) · Social Sciences · doi:10.3390/socsci11030106 · Cited by 6
Empowerment Enabled by Information and Communications Technology and Intention to Sustain a Healthy Behavior: Survey of General Users
Alluhaidan, A. S., Chatterjee, S., Drew, D. E., Ractham, P., & Kaewkitipong, L. (2023) · JMIR Human Factors · doi:10.2196/47103 · Cited by 8
Space War: Investigating the Impact of a Loss Aversion Strategy and Personality Traits in a VR Rowing Exergame
Wang, Z., & Wünsche, B. C. (2024) · Australasian Computer Science Week Multiconference (ACSW) · doi:10.1145/3641142.3641173 · Cited by 5
Cultura fitness digital no léxico da cultura corporal de movimento: temas emergentes para a educação física escolar
de Oliveira, B. N., & Fraga, A. B. (2022) · Revista Brasileira de Ciências do Esporte · doi:10.1590/rbce.44.e001922 · Cited by 8
Barriers and Facilitators to Exercise in Older Adults Awaiting Kidney Transplantation and Their Care Partners
Sheshadri, A., Elia, J. R., Garcia, G., Abrams, G., Adey, D., Lai, J. C., & Sudore, R. L. (2023) · Kidney Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.xkme.2023.100779 · Cited by 6
Debiasing Strategies for Problem Gambling: Using Decision Science to Inform Clinical Interventions
Broussard, J. D., & Wulfert, E. (2019) · Current Addiction Reports · doi:10.1007/s40429-019-00263-1 · Cited by 5
Design of a randomized controlled trial of digital health and community health worker support for diabetes management among low-income patients
Harte, R., Norton, L., Whitehouse, C. R., Lorincz, I. S., Jones, D., Gerald, N., Estrada, I., Sabini, C., Mitra, N., Long, J. A., et al. (2021) · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications · doi:10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100878 · Cited by 5
Digital Health Promotion For Fitness Enthusiasts In Africa
Arueyinzho, O., & Sanyaolu, K. (2022) · IEEE International Conference on Digital Health (ICDH) · doi:10.1109/icdh55609.2022.00017 · Cited by 5
Psychological Aspects of Wearable Health Technologies in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Literature Review and Call to Action
Gaffey, A. E., Hooker, S. A., Lampert, R., Gehi, A. K., & Rosman, L. (2025) · Current Cardiology Reports · doi:10.1007/s11886-025-02234-7 · Cited by 4
Comparing the Effects of Gamification to User Engagement in Stress Management Application
Fadzillah, N. H. H., Othman, N. Z. S., Ghazali, M., & Ismail, N. A. (2023) · Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology · doi:10.37934/araset.30.1.290302 · Cited by 9
“STAR WARS™: The First Jedi” Gamification Program: Improvement of Fitness Among College Students
Mora-González, J., Navarro-Mateos, C., & López, I. J. P. (2022) · Journal of Teaching in Physical Education · doi:10.1123/jtpe.2021-0309 · Cited by 10
Strategies to digitalize inert health practices: The gamification of glucose monitoring
Neumann, C. J., Kolak, T., & Auschra, C. (2019) · it - Information Technology · doi:10.1515/itit-2019-0023 · Cited by 3
WellnessWise: User Experience Design of the Proposed Mobile Application for Physical and Mental Health Self-Care
Navarro, F. J. C., Beduya, V. D., Man, L. E. D., Calaguas, S. A. L., & Intal, G. L. (2023) · International Conference on Software Technology and Engineering · doi:10.1109/icste61649.2023.00024 · Cited by 3
Protocol for a randomised controlled field experiment on the effect of different gamification designs of physical activity
Grech, E. M., Briguglio, M., & Said, E. (2024) · MethodsX · doi:10.1016/j.mex.2024.102551 · Cited by 4
A Literature Review and an Investigation on Gamified Mobile Apps in Health and Fitness
Saprikis, V., & Vlachopoulou, M. (2023) · Springer proceedings in business and economics · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-24294-6_24 · Cited by 4
Future Directions of Gamification in Education
Costello, R. (2021) · IGI Global eBooks · doi:10.4018/978-1-6684-3710-0.ch007 · Cited by 3
Identifying stakeholder perspectives and priorities for athlete monitoring technology: A mixed-methods study based on interviewing Belgian high-performance sports organisations
Aerts, J., Moons, K., Masci, F., MEEUSEN, R. R., & Gielen, J. (2025) · International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching · doi:10.1177/17479541241312015 · Cited by 2
PAUDIT: A Distributed Data Architecture for Fitness Data
du Toit, J. (2020) · Communications in computer and information science · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-43276-8_4 · Cited by 2
Gamification Design Principles and Mechanics to Improve Retention
Costello, R. (2021) · Advances in game-based learning book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-7271-9.ch040 · Cited by 2
Ethical gamified health communication intervention to prevent Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) in Myanmar migrants at Thailand's seafood factory: A study protocol
Hlaing, P. H., Cheah, P. Y., & Boonchutima, S. (2024) · Wellcome Open Research · doi:10.12688/wellcomeopenres.21428.1 · Cited by 2
The impact of neuroscience education therapy, behavioral economics, and digital navigators on patient migraine treatment adherence to a mobile health application: a prospective pilot randomized controlled trial
Minen, M. T., Waire, E. K., Torous, J. B., Fishman, J., Lipton, R. B., & Powers, S. W. (2025) · NPP—Digital Psychiatry and Neuroscience · doi:10.1038/s44277-024-00021-w · Cited by 2
Using Gamification to Overcome Innovation Process Challenges
Pavithra, M. K., & Ramya, G. (2025) · IGI Global eBooks · doi:10.4018/979-8-3693-4199-5.ch012 · Cited by 2
Approaches to Personalize Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Dementia Prevention
Chong, W. F. (2024) · Heart and Mind · doi:10.4103/hm.hm-d-24-00064 · Cited by 1
“Exercise Can Be So Pleasurable”: Revisiting the Role of Gamification in Fitness Apps for User Behaviour
Zhang, J., Lin, Z., Lehita, S. N. Y. M., Yan, J. H., & Cao, C. (2025) · International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction · doi:10.1080/10447318.2025.2539483 · Cited by 1
Gamification and personality: Exploring the impact on consumer engagement and purchase intention
Misara, R., Verma, D., & Mishra, S. (2025) · Entertainment Computing · doi:10.1016/j.entcom.2025.101038 · Cited by 4
Optimizing HIV Care Engagement: Usability of a mHealth App for Identifying and Retaining Individuals with Nonviral Suppression in Digital Cohort
Santos, F. C. D., Mclnerney, S., Tate, M. C., Rana, A., Batey, D. S., & Schnall, R. (2026) · Applied Clinical Informatics · doi:10.1055/a-2786-0291 · Cited by 1
Playing for better health: Gamification in digital workplace health promotion – A structured review of design elements, outcomes, and mechanisms from a self-determination theory perspective
Hall, K., Watkowski, L., & Helmus, B. (2026) · Digital Health · doi:10.1177/20552076261481633 · Cited by 1
Using Behavioral Economic Interventions with Remote-monitoring Technologies to Increase Physical Activity
Changolkar, S., Volpp, K. G. M., & Patel, M. S. (2021) · Behavioral Science & Policy · doi:10.1177/237946152100700103 · Cited by 1
Self-citation
Victim of Your (Customer's) Own SuccessPreprint
Yang, N. (2019) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.3458037 · Cited by 1
Moving Toward Rigorous Evaluation of Mobile Health Interventions
Linn, K. A. (2020) · Statistical Science · doi:10.1214/20-sts781
PENERAPAN GAMIFICATION BERBASIS ANDROID PADA SASARAN PROMOSI KESEHATAN DI RUMAH SAKIT: TINJAUAN LITERATUR
Vesdiana, M., & Rahman, L. O. A. (2020) · Jurnal Mitra Kesehatan · doi:10.47522/jmk.v2i2.42
Compassion over competition: The momentary and longitudinal benefits of adopting a caregiving mentality in the face of appearance comparisons
Vimalakanthan, K. (2021) · UWSpace (University of Waterloo)
Mapping Gamification
(2020) · Advances in educational technologies and instructional design book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-2079-6.ch002
The Impact of Gamification on Motivation
Vadodkar, A. (2022) · UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal · doi:10.5070/m414157328
Future Directions of Gamification in Education
(2020) · Advances in educational technologies and instructional design book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-2079-6.ch006
Incorporating Design Thinking and behavioural techniques to design and evaluate a mobile intervention to reduce sugar consumption
Song, K. (2022) · Queensland University of Technology · doi:10.5204/thesis.eprints.235039
Wellness Beyond Campus Walls: How Walking Worldwide Brought One Institution Together
Verity, M., Bauman, C. L., Cuellarsola, L., Park, S. K., & Pociask, S. E. (2024) · Building Healthy Academic Communities Journal · doi:10.18061/bhac.v8i1.9667
Status incentive and peer spillover effects on physical activity habits
Pearcy, P. (2025) · Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization · doi:10.1016/j.jebo.2025.107270 · Cited by 2
Can gamified behavioral change mental health mobile apps reduce students’ anxiety and improve well-being? An efficacy study
Nicolaidou, I. A., & Nicolaidou, D. (2025) · Exploration of Digital Health Technologies · doi:10.37349/edht.2025.101170
From ‘click’ to ‘convert’: The power of interactive content in digital marketing and its effect on Indian’ Gen Z’s purchase intention
Jayapalan, N., John, J. A., Parayitam, S., & Xavier, M. F. (2025) · Journal of Marketing Communications · doi:10.1080/13527266.2025.2597283

Authors: Cotton, V., & Patel, M. S.
Affiliations: University of Pennsylvania (US)
Philadelphia VA Medical Center (US)
Corresponding author: Patel, Mitesh S.
ORCID: Patel, Mitesh S.
Venue: American Journal of Health Promotion
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2018-07-26
Volume: 33
Issue: 3
Pages: 448-451
ISSN: 0890-1171 (ISSN-L)
2168-6602
DOI: 10.1177/0890117118790394
PMC: PMC6348030
OpenAlex: W2884180038
Cited by: 110
References: 9
Citations by year: 2026: 9 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 17 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 1
FWCI: 23.56
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: green
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: American Journal of Health Promotion (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders: University of Pennsylvania Health System
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Educational Games and Gamification
Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Innovative Human-Technology Interaction
Keywords: gamification, behavioral economics, loss aversion, variable reinforcement, goal setting, social influence, physical activity, weight loss, mobile application design
MeSH terms: Goals, Humans, Motivation, Physical Fitness, Social Support, Health Behavior, Exercise, Video Games, Economics, Behavioral, Mobile Applications

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Gamification Use and Design in Popular Health and Fitness Mobile Applications

Abstract

Overview

Integrity signals

Verification

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Self-check

Citations

Cites

Cited by

Related

Metadata

Record

About these checks