Fitness Gamification : Concepts , Characteristics , and Applications

This paper reviews the findings of several studies and surveys that address the increasing popularity and usage of so-called fitness “gamification.” Fitness gamification is used as an overarching and information term for the use of video game elements in non-gaming systems to improve user experience and user engagement. In this usage, game components such as a scoreboard, competition amongst friends, and awards and achievements are employed to motivate users to achieve personal health goals. The rise in smartphone usage has also increased the number of mobile fitness applications that utilize gamification principles. The most popular and successful fitness applications are the ones that feature an assemblage of workout tracking, social sharing, and achievement systems. This paper provides an overview of gamification, a description of gamification characteristics, and specific examples of how fitness gamification applications function and is used.

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