In the last few years, gamification has become a more widely regarded strategy for promoting healthy behaviors in those that suffer from diabetes.
A new study has examined the effectiveness of gaming in increasing weight loss in adults with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes.
During the trial, 361 adults classified with Type 2 diabetes with a BMI greater than or equal to 25, and with hemoglobin A1c levels greater than or equal to 8% were included.
Results of Participants in One Year Study Revealed
During the year-long program, participants wore an electronic step counter and scale, with one control group and three gamification groups.
The control group of participants only received feedback from the devices and the smartphone, whereas the intervention groups were entered into a game with points and levels, and received a daily notification on progress.
The three gamification arms were divided into groups that centered on support, collaboration, and competition. The findings indicated that each group lost a significant amount of weight and lowered blood sugar levels.
The evidence suggests that even small increases or light physical activity can promote health, particularly for more sedentary adults.
The study is a great first step in advocating for regular exercise as a habit that also coincidentally promotes weight loss and better glycemic control.
The Future of Gamification
Wearable devices and digital weight scales are the wave of the future and as more physicians turn to gamification for their patients, more clinical results can be used to approach treatment options in a new way.
The clinical trials demonstrate that the latest technological innovations, when coupled with behavioral science, can lead to better habits and consequently better health.
What the findings also indicate, however, is that more research must be conducted in order to understand how effective gamification can be in improving overall health.
