Mobile-Based Gamified Physical Activity in Secondary Education

Physical activity (PA) is critical for children's physical, psychological, social and cognitive health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that children aged 5-17 engage in 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day. However, 81% of children worldwide, 58% of children in Turkey, and 80% of adolescents do not meet these recommendations. Physical inactivity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and metabolic disorders, causing millions of deaths each year. Therefore, school-based interventions offer an important opportunity to improve children's PA, health-related physical fitness, and physical literacy (3F) levels.

In recent years, the concept of physical literacy and mobile-based gamification applications have come to the fore. Gamification increases motivation and improves PA levels through elements such as points, badges, levels, and leaderboards. The literature indicates that gamified applications have positive effects on step count and exercise habits. However, research on physical fitness and literacy dimensions remains limited. In this context, the aim of the project is to examine the effects of a 12-week gamified mobile-based physical activity programme on 3F in secondary school students.

The research will be conducted with 54 students at a state secondary school in Bursa, and participants will be divided into three groups: the gamified experimental group (GE), the non-gamified experimental group (NG), and the control group (CG). The physical activity programme will consist of daily step targets and weekly exercises, and students will be monitored via the mobile application called 'Time to Move' and a portfolio notebook. The gamification group will use points, badges, levels and a leaderboard, and physical activity homework will also be assigned outside of school. The study will include pre-tests, post-tests and 12-week follow-up measurements.

The unique value of the project lies in fostering PA habits through a gamified mobile application, determining 3F levels and examining their effects on these levels, and ensuring the sustainable monitoring of a school-based programme with the support of a mobile application and portfolio. The main objective of the research is to support behavioural change in secondary school students, make PA a lifestyle, and foster healthy living habits in the long term.