Impact of Gamified Physical Activities on Adolescent Fitness Engagement

Thesis Abstract

Physical inactivity among adolescents remains a global public health concern, contributing significantly to escalating rates of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other lifestyle-related health issues. Despite the recognized importance of regular physical activity, engagement levels among adolescents remain suboptimal, necessitating innovative strategies to enhance participation. This study investigates the impact of gamified physical activities on adolescent fitness engagement, aiming to provide empirical evidence on the efficacy of game-based interventions in promoting sustained physical activity behaviors among this demographic. The specific objectives include examining the effect of gamified activities on motivation and participation rates, identifying demographic variables influencing engagement, and exploring students’ perceptions of gamified physical activity interventions. Employing a quasi-experimental research design, the study was conducted in four secondary schools with a total adolescent population of approximately 480 students aged 13 to 17 years. A stratified random sampling technique selected 200 participants, evenly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged in a 12-week gamified physical activity program designed with features aligned with Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) and Flow Theory (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990) to enhance intrinsic motivation. The control group participated in conventional physical education sessions without gamification elements. Data collection involved pre- and post-intervention assessments using validated instruments the Physical Activity Motivation Scale (PAMS) and the Engagement in Physical Activity Questionnaire (EPAQ). Additionally, focus group discussions provided qualitative insights into students' perceptions, while attendance records objectively measured participation levels. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) to determine changes in motivation and engagement levels attributable to the intervention. Regression analyses identified demographic variables such as age, gender, and baseline activity levels as predictors of engagement outcomes. Qualitative data from focus groups were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) approach to elucidate perceptions, barriers, and facilitators related to gamified physical activities. The integration of mixed methods offered a comprehensive understanding of the intervention's impact. It is anticipated that the findings will demonstrate a statistically significant increase in motivation and engagement levels among the experimental group compared to controls, consistent with prior research indicating gamification as an effective motivator in health behaviors (Sailer et al., 2017). Moreover, the study expects to reveal that gamified interventions are particularly effective among younger adolescents and females, who traditionally exhibit lower physical activity participation. The qualitative data are expected to highlight enhanced enjoyment, perceived competence, and social connectedness as key factors mediating engagement. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing rigorous empirical evidence on the effectiveness of gamified physical activities in increasing adolescent fitness engagement, with implications for curriculum design, health promotion, and policy formulation. It underscores the significance of integrating motivational theories into sports and health education initiatives to foster sustainable behavioral change. The study recommends the scaling of gamified interventions within school-based physical education programs and advocates for further longitudinal research to assess long-term behavior change. Additionally, it suggests exploring digital barriers and technological accessibility to optimize intervention reach across diverse adolescent populations. Ultimately, the findings serve to inform educators, policymakers, and health practitioners seeking innovative solutions to combat physical inactivity among adolescents, thereby contributing to improved health outcomes in this critical developmental stage.