Game-based reward systems to boost children's engagement
Effect of Gamification-Based Incentive Schemes on Behavioral Adherence in Children
This project tests whether game-like rewards (levels, streaks, or both) help 9–12-year-old children stick to target behaviors using their Android smartphones.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Palacky University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Olomouc) |
| Trial ID | NCT07509489 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled design assigns children to one of four groups: streak-based rewards, level-based rewards, a combined level-and-streak system, or a no-reward control. Participants are 9–12 years old, native Czech speakers who regularly use an Android smartphone and can use it during school breaks and wear a paired smartwatch. The study measures adherence to specified target behaviors while participants interact with the assigned gamification framework. Outcomes compare how each incentive scheme affects engagement and routine completion over the study period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 9–12-year-old native Czech speakers who own and regularly use an Android smartphone (version 9+), bring it to school, and are permitted to use it during breaks.
Not a fit: Children who do not have a personal Android phone, rarely use smartphones, are outside the 9–12 age range, are not Czech speakers, or cannot use devices at school are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these gamification schemes could increase children's adherence to desired behaviors using devices they already own, making behavior change easier and more scalable.
How similar studies have performed: Similar gamification and incentive approaches have produced mixed but often positive short-term increases in engagement in child and adult behavior-change apps, while long-term effects remain less certain.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Children aged 9-12 years Regular smartphone use (at least 4 days per week) Has access to a smartphone throughout most of the day Brings a smartphone to school Owns a personal smartphone with a touchscreen Owns a smartphone with Android operating system (version 9 or higher) Has access to mobile internet on their device Is allowed to use a smartphone at school during breaks (e.g., lunch or longer breaks) for questionnaire completion and to wear a smartwatch Native Czech speaker Exclusion Criteria: Does not meet one or more of the inclusion criteria Has a sibling already enrolled in the study
Where this trial is running
Olomouc
- Palacky University — Olomouc, Czechia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jan Dygrýn, Ph.D
- Email: jan.dygryn@upol.cz
- Phone: +420585636741
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.