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NCT Number: NCT07509489

Comparing Game-Based Reward Systems to Support Children's Engagement:

This Randomized Control Trial evaluates the impact of different gamification-based incentive schemes (levels, streaks and their combination) on adherence to target behaviors in children. Participants are randomized into four groups with different types of motivational frameworks.

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Key information

Conditions

Children Behavior

Age range

9 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Streak-based

Behavioral

Participants use a mobile application with gamification elements. Daily completion of target behaviors maintains engagement streaks. Longer streaks unlock virtual items and higher-value financial rewards.

Level-based

Behavioral

Participants use a mobile application that incorporates gamification elements. Completing target behaviors within the app earns points, which contribute to progression through predefined levels. Advancement to higher levels results in higher financial rewards.

Combined: level and streak

Behavioral

Participants use a mobile application with gamification elements. Points earned from completing target behaviors contribute to level progression, while consecutive daily engagement unlocks streak-based rewards. Both mechanisms operate simultaneously to provide financial incentives for achievement and consistency.

Control

Behavioral

Participants use a mobile application that includes gamification elements (e.g., points, levels, or streak indicators) as part of the user interface. However, these in-app gamification features are not financially incentivized. Monetary rewards are determined by questionnaire compliance.

Primary outcomes

  1. Questionnaire adherence

    Time frame: 14 days

    Participants are rewarded for completing study questionnaires using a combination of points, streaks, and level-based bonuses to encourage adherence and long-term engagement.

    • Base Reward (Questionnaire Completion) Participants receive points for completing questionnaires. Example: 60% completion
    • Streak System Participants earn additional rewards for consecutive questionnaire completion (daily or scheduled).

    Streaks are designed to reinforce consistent participation and habit formation. Streak: 22 CZK

    • Level System Participants progress through levels based on accumulated activity (e.g., completed questionnaires).

    Each level unlock provides a financial reward:

    1 level = 450 CZK

    • Combined Model (Levels + Streaks)

    A hybrid incentive structure can be applied:

    Streak reward: 10 CZK per streak milestone Level reward: 250 CZK per level achieved

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Jan Dygrýn, Ph.D

CONTACT

[email protected]

+420585636741

Jana Pelclová, prof.

CONTACT

[email protected]

+420585636469

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Palacky University

Other

Collaborators

  • Masaryk University
  • University of Hradec Hralove

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Gamification-Based Incentive Schemes on Behavioral Adherence in Children

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 3, 2026
Registry last updated
May 8, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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