AI Insight
A three-week study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology examined how the mobile game "BitPet" influences physical activity levels, motivation, and social well-being among users. The research, conducted as part of a master's thesis, involved 51 participants and utilized multiple data collection methods including questionnaires, interviews, step counts, and in-game activity tracking. Results indicated that the digital pet game increased daily physical activity by more than 20% among participants.
Why it matters
This research demonstrates that gamification through digital pets can serve as an effective intervention for promoting physical activity in daily life. The findings suggest potential applications for public health initiatives aimed at combating sedentary lifestyles and could inform the development of digital health tools.
Understand the Science
According to a master’s thesis at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), a mobile game can make physical activity more enjoyable. Two master’s students investigated how the mobile game “BitPet” affects physical activity, motivation and social well-being. The three-week study involved 51 participants and combined questionnaires, interviews, step counts and activity data collected through the game itself.
Source: Digital pets boost daily activity by more than 20%, trial finds