A game-based intervention using social incentives to reward behaviors increased physical activity, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Participants included 200 adults from 94 families who were enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study. All study participants tracked their daily steps, established a baseline, selected a step goal increase, and received daily feedback on goal performance for 24 weeks. Participants randomized to the gamification group were entered into a game with their families for 12 weeks that rewarded progress on achieving physical activity goals. The game was designed to enhance collaboration, accountability, and support among family members.