Combining Web-Based Gamification and Physical Nudges With an App (MoveMore) to Promote Walking Breaks and Reduce Sedentary Behavior of Office Workers: Field Study

Digital Behavior Change Intervention Designs for Habit Formation: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

With the development of emerging technologies, digital behavior change interventions (DBCIs) help to maintain regular physical activity in daily life.

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively understand the design implementations of habit formation techniques in current DBCIs, a systematic review was conducted to investigate the implementations of behavior change techniques, types of habit formation techniques, and design strategies in current DBCIs.

METHODS

The process of this review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 4 databases were systematically searched from 2012 to 2022, which included Web of Science, Scopus, ACM Digital Library, and PubMed. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies that used digital tools for physical activity, examined behavior change intervention techniques, and were written in English.

RESULTS

A total of 41 identified research articles were included in this review. The results show that the most applied behavior change techniques were the self-monitoring of behavior, goal setting, and prompts and cues. Moreover, habit formation techniques were identified and developed based on intentions, cues, and positive reinforcement. Commonly used methods included automatic monitoring, descriptive feedback, general guidelines, self-set goals, time-based cues, and virtual rewards.

CONCLUSIONS

A total of 32 commonly design strategies of habit formation techniques were summarized and mapped to the proposed conceptual framework, which was categorized into target-mediated (generalization and personalization) and technology-mediated interactions (explicitness and implicitness). Most of the existing studies use the explicit interaction, aligning with the personalized habit formation techniques in the design strategies of DBCIs. However, implicit interaction design strategies are lacking in the reviewed studies. The proposed conceptual framework and potential solutions can serve as guidelines for designing strategies aimed at habit formation within DBCIs.

Effectiveness of workplace interventions with digital elements to reduce sedentary behaviours in office employees: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Digital interventions are potential tools for reducing and limiting occupational sedentary behaviour (SB) in sedentary desk-based jobs. Given the harmful effects of sitting too much and sitting for too long while working, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of workplace interventions, that incorporated digital elements, to reduce the time spent in SB in office workers.

METHODS

Randomised control trials that evaluated the implementation of workplace interventions that incorporated digital elements for breaking and limiting SB among desk-based jobs were identified by literature searches in six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and PEDro) published up to 2023. Studies were included if total and/or occupational SB were assessed. Only studies that reported pre- and postintervention mean differences and standard deviations or standard errors for both intervention arms were used for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5; Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). Risk of bias was assessed using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields QUALSYST tool.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review. The most employed digital elements were information delivery and mediated organisational support and social influences. Multicomponent, information, and counselling interventions measuring total and/or occupational/nonoccupational SB time by self-report or via device-based measures were reported. Multicomponent interventions were the most represented. Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis, which presented a reduction of 29.9 (95% CI: -45.2, -14.5) min/8 h workday in SB (overall effect: Z = 3.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Multicomponent interventions, using a wide range of digital features, have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing time spent in SB at the workplace among desk-based employees. However, due to hybrid work (i.e., work in the office and home) being a customary mode of work for many employees, it is important for future studies to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of these interventions in the evolving work landscape.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The review protocol was registered in the Prospero database (CRD42022377366).

Effectiveness of workplace choice architecture modification for healthy eating and daily physical activity

BACKGROUND

Modifying the choice architecture of behavioural contexts can facilitate health behaviour change, but existing evidence builds mostly on small-scale interventions limited in duration, targets, strategies, and settings. We evaluated the effectiveness of a one-year hybrid type 2 implementation-effectiveness trial aimed at promoting healthy eating and daily physical activity with subtle modifications to the choice architecture of heterogeneous worksites. The intervention was contextualised to and integrated into the routine operations of each worksite. Effectiveness was evaluated in a quasi-experimental pre-post design.

METHODS

Intervention sites (n = 21) implemented a median of two (range 1-9) intervention strategies for healthy eating and one (range 1-5) for physical activity. Questionnaires pre (n = 1126) and post (n = 943) intervention surveyed employees' behavioural patterns at work (food consumption: vegetables/roots, fruit/berries, nuts/almonds/seeds, sweet treats, fast food, water; physical activity: restorative movement, exercise equipment use, stair use). The post-intervention questionnaire also measured employees' perception of and response to three intervention strategies: a packed lunch recipe campaign, a fruit crew-strategy, and movement prompts. Multi- and single-level regression models evaluated effectiveness, treating intervention as a continuous predictor formed of the site-specific dose (n intervention strategies employed) and mean quality (three-point rating per strategy halfway and at the end of the intervention) of implementation relevant to each outcome.

RESULTS

Multinomial logistic regression models found the intervention significantly associated with a favourable change in employees' fruit and berry consumption (interaction effect of time and implementation p = 0.006) and with an unfavourable change in sweet treat consumption (p = 0.048). The evidence was strongest for the finding concerning fruit/berry consumption-an outcome that sites with greater dose and quality of implementation targeted by using strategies that reduced the physical effort required to have fruit/berries at work and by covering multiple eating-related contexts at the worksite. The quality of implementation was positively associated with the perception of (p = 0.044) and response to (p = 0.017) the packed lunch recipes, and with response to the fruit crew-strategy (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that a contextualised, multicomponent choice architecture intervention can positively influence eating behaviour in diverse real-world settings over a one-year period, and that higher implementation quality can enhance intervention perception and response. However, outcomes may depend on the type of intervention strategies used and the extent of their delivery.

When it comes to sedentary behaviour modification, should people be told what to do? A randomized comparison trial among home-based office workers living in Ontario, Canada

The effects of adding choice architecture to a theory-based (Health Action Process Approach; HAPA) sedentary intervention remain unknown. To investigate whether choice architecture enhances a theory-based sedentary behaviour reduction intervention in home-based office workers. A 4-week HAPA-based intervention was conducted in London, Canada. Choice architecture was tested as an enhancement via a two (group: 'Choice of Intervention' vs. 'No Choice Intervention') by two (time: Baseline vs. Week 4) factorial repeated measure randomized comparison design. Sedentary behaviour reduction strategies focussed on obtaining a sedentary break frequency (BF) of every 30-45 min with break durations (BD) of 2-3 min. BF, BD, sitting, standing, and moving time were objectively measured (activPAL4™) at both time points. Participants (n = 148) were 44.9 ± 11.4 years old and 72.3% female. BF and total sitting time showed a time effect (P < .001), where both groups improved over the 4 weeks; there were no significant differences between groups across time. BD, standing, and moving time had a significant group by time effect where the 'No Choice' group showed significant increases in BD (P < .001), standing (P = .006), and moving time (P < .001) over the 4 weeks. Augmenting a theory-based intervention with choice architecture resulted in change in some sedentary behaviours in at home office workers. Specifically, while BF increased for all participants, the 'No Choice' group exhibited greater changes for BD, standing, and moving time compared with the 'Choice' group. Overall, these changes exceeded the intervention BF and BD goals.

Promoting Physical and Mental Health among Children and Adolescents via Gamification-A Conceptual Systematic Review

The rapid growth in digital technology usage among children and adolescents has highlighted the need for novel approaches to promote their physical and mental health. This paper investigates the viability of gamification-the application of game mechanics to non-gaming contexts-as a potent instrument for health promotion and mental health support. This conceptual systematic review seeks to examine the various published articles promoting children and adolescents' physical and mental health through gamified techniques. These interventions can provide an interactive and engaging platform for encouraging physical activity, promoting healthy nutrition, enhancing emotional regulation, and promoting mental health. The significance of this topic stems from the pervasive use of electronic games, beginning at a young age, which makes them popular educational tools. For the review to be systematic and reproducible, the PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed, and Elsevier databases were searched and the PRISMA method was utilized for the analysis. After analyzing the research data, empirical studies assessing the use of gamification in promoting adolescents' physical and mental health are discussed. In conclusion, gamification has demonstrated promise for promoting children's and adolescents' physical and mental health. It improves motivation, commitment, and adherence to healthy behaviors. However, additional research is required to evaluate gamification interventions' long-term effectiveness and sustainability in promoting health behaviors among this population.

Harnessing technology and gamification to increase adult physical activity: a cluster randomized controlled trial of the Columbia Moves pilot

BACKGROUND

The use of health technologies and gamification to promote physical activity has increasingly been examined, representing an opportunistic method for harnessing social support inherent within existing social ties. However, these prior studies have yielded mixed findings and lacked long-term follow-up periods. Thus, a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to gauge the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a digital gamification-based physical activity promotion approach among teams of insufficiently active adults with existing social ties.

METHODS

Teams (N = 24; 116 total participants) were randomized to either a 12-week intervention (Fitbit, step goals, app, feedback; TECH) or the same program plus gamification (TECH + Gamification). Mixed effects models were used to compare group differences in treatment adherence, and changes in social support, steps, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at 12 weeks and 52 weeks from baseline, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and team size.

RESULTS

TECH had a lower mean number of days of Fitbit self-monitoring versus TECH + Gamification during the intervention (adjusted difference: -.30; 95% CI, -.54 to -.07; P = .01). Post-intervention, TECH had 47% lower odds of self-monitoring 7 days per week versus TECH + Gamification (.53; 95% CI, .31 to .89; P = .02). No differences were observed between TECH + Gamification and TECH in increases in social support (0.04; 95% CI, -.21 to .29; P = .76), ActiGraph-measured daily steps (-425; 95% CI, -1065 to 215; P = .19), or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes (-3.36; 95% CI, -8.62 to 1.91; P = .21) from baseline to 12 weeks or in the regression of these improvements by 1 year (Ps > .05). Although not significant in the adjusted models (Ps > .05), clinically meaningful differences in Fitbit-measured daily steps (TECH, 7041 ± 2520; TECH + Gamification, 7988 ± 2707) and active minutes (TECH, 29.90 ± 29.76; TECH + Gamification, 36.38 ± 29.83) were found during the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

A gamified physical activity intervention targeting teams of adults with existing social ties was feasible and facilitated favorable, clinically meaningful additive physical activity effects while in place but did not drive enhanced, long-term physical activity participation. Future investigations should explore optimal team dynamics and more direct ways of leveraging social support (training teams; gamifying social support).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT03509129 , April 26, 2018).

Digital Health Solutions for Weight Loss and Obesity: A Narrative Review

Personal exercise programmes have long been used and prescribed for weight loss and the improvement of quality of life in obese patients. While individualised programmes are usually the preferred option, they can be more costly and challenging to deliver in person. A move to digital programmes with a wider reach has commenced, and demand has increased due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In this review, we evaluate the current status of digital exercise programme delivery and its evolution over the past decade, with a focus on personalisation. We used specific keywords to search for articles that met our predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria in order to provide valuable evidence and insights for future research. We identified 55 studies in total in four key areas of focus, from the more recent development of apps and personal digital assistants to web-based programmes and text or phone call interventions. In summary, we observed that apps may be useful for a low-intensity approach and can improve adherence to programmes through self-monitoring, but they are not always developed in an evidence-based manner. Engagement and adherence are important determinants of weight loss and subsequent weight maintenance. Generally, professional support is required to achieve weight loss goals.

Do physical activity interventions combining self-monitoring with other components provide an additional benefit compared with self-monitoring alone? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To determine the net effect of different physical activity intervention components on step counts in addition to self-monitoring.

Design

A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Data sources

Five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest and Discus) were searched from inception to May 2022. The database search was complemented with backward and forward citation searches and search of the references from relevant systematic reviews.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials comparing an intervention using self-monitoring (active control arm) with an intervention comprising the same treatment PLUS any additional component (intervention arm).

Data extraction and synthesis

The effect measures were mean differences in daily step count. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models, and effect moderators were explored using univariate and multivariate meta-regression models.

Results

Eighty-five studies with 12 057 participants were identified, with 75 studies included in the meta-analysis at postintervention and 24 at follow-up. At postintervention, the mean difference between the intervention and active control arms was 926 steps/day (95% CI 651 to 1201). At a follow-up, the mean difference was 413 steps/day (95% CI 210 to 615). Interventions with a prescribed goal and involving human counselling, particularly via phone/video calls, were associated with a greater mean difference in the daily step count than interventions with added print materials, websites, smartphone apps or incentives.

Conclusion

Physical activity interventions that combine self-monitoring with other components provide an additional modest yet sustained increase in step count compared with self-monitoring alone. Some forms of counselling, particularly remote phone/video counselling, outperformed other intervention components, such as websites and smartphone apps.

PROSPERO registered number

CRD42020199482.

Effects of Gamified Smartphone Applications on Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine the impacts of standalone gamified smartphone application-delivered interventions on physical activity.

METHODS

Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, and ACM Digital Library were searched for publications that were published between January 1, 2008 and August 31, 2021. Eligibility criteria were RCTs or single-arm pre-to-post interventions delivered by standalone gamified applications and targeting physical activity. Study-specific results were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis, with a standardized mean difference. Meta-regressions, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses were performed. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to determine the strength of the evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies with 24 gamified applications were eligible, and 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Standalone gamified applications had a small-to-moderate effect on physical activity in both the between-group RCTs (n=12 applications, standardized mean difference=0.34, 95% CI=0.06, 0.62, I²=72%, p<0.01; Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation: moderate) and the within-group pre-to-post interventions (n=18 applications, standardized mean difference=0.38, 95% CI=0.17, 0.59, I²=74%, p<0.01; Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation: very low). Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses sustained the main effects with lower heterogeneity (I² of 31.0% and 47.8%, respectively).

DISCUSSION

Using gamified smartphone applications as standalone interventions may increase physical activity. Future research could investigate the impacts of gamified applications on physical activity by isolating the role of specific single or clustered groups of application features.

Short-term effects of a social media-based intervention on the physical and mental health of remotely working young software professionals: A randomised controlled trial

The present study aimed to explore the short term effects of a social media-based intervention on the physical and mental health of the software professionals working remotely during the pandemic. Sixty software professionals with poor physical and mental health were randomised to Facebook-based intervention (FIIT) and a control (CONT) group for 2 months. Forty-six remote workers (26.25 ± 3.49 years) completed the study (FIIT = 22; CONT = 26). All the respondents had the median sitting time (7.07 ± 2.30 h/day) during office hours on workdays. We found a significant difference in the sitting time during office hours in workday within the subjects (F_1,46  = 4.66; p < .004; η_p ²  = .048) and between the subjects (F_1,46  = 3.81; p < .004; η_p ²  = .040). Post hoc analysis revealed participants in the FIIT group reduced their sitting time by 58 min during office hours during a typical workday compared with the control group. Nevertheless, we found a significant difference in the scores of stress, anxiety and depression within and between the groups. Short-term social media-based physical and mental health intervention may improve physical and mental health scores in the desk-based office workers working remotely.