NCT07286708

Serious Game vs Traditional BLS Training in Adolescents

Effect of a Serious Video Game Versus Traditional Training on Basic Life Support Knowledge and Skills in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 117 (actual)
• Sponsor: Burcu SELVI CALSIKAN · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 15 Years – 17 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of a serious video game and traditional training on adolescents' basic life support (BLS) knowledge and skills. The study was conducted at Üsküdar High School in Istanbul, Turkey, between November 2021 and June 2022. Eleventh-grade students aged 15-17 years who had not previously received BLS training were randomly assigned to a video game group or a traditional education group. A total of 117 students completed the study (58 in the video game group and 55 in the traditional education group). The video game group received BLS education using the Lifesaver serious game, while the traditional group received a lecture based on national BLS guidelines and hands-on practice with a CPR training manikin. BLS knowledge and skills were assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months using validated knowledge and skill assessment forms. The primary objective was to determine whether the serious game improved BLS knowledge and skill scores compared with traditional training and whether the effect persisted at 1- and 6-month follow-up.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a serious video game compared with traditional training on adolescents' basic life support (BLS) knowledge and skills. A total of 117 high school students (aged 15-17 years) were randomly assigned to either the video game group (Lifesaver interactive scenario) or the traditional lecture-plus-practice group. All participants completed baseline, 1-month, and 6-month assessments using a 15-item BLS knowledge test and a 22-item skill performance checklist completed on a CPR manikin. The video game group received a 13-minute interactive scenario-based BLS training, while the control group received a guideline-based lecture and hands-on manikin practice. Outcomes included changes in BLS knowledge and skill scores over time and group differences in short- and long-term retention. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests due to non-normal distribution. The study aimed to determine whether the serious game improves BLS learning and retention compared with traditional instruction.

Conditions

• Basic Life Support Training Course
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Lifesaver Video Game CPR Training	The Lifesaver video game is an interactive, scenario-based CPR training tool developed by the Resuscitation Council (UK). Participants use their mobile phones to complete a simulated cardiac arrest scenario involving a teenage victim. The game teaches recognition of cardiac arrest, calling emergency services, performing chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use. Training was completed individually under supervision.
OTHER	Traditional Instructor-Led CPR Training	Participants received a traditional instructor-led CPR training consisting of a theoretical lecture based on the Ministry of Health Adult Basic Life Support guidelines and hands-on CPR practice using an adult manikin. Training lasted approximately 2 hours and did not include any digital or game-based components.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-11-22
• Primary completion: 2022-06-17
• Completion: 2022-12-02
• First posted: 2025-12-16
• Last updated: 2025-12-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)