NCT07509489

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

Effect of Gamification-Based Incentive Schemes on Behavioral Adherence in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 160 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Charles University, Czech Republic · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 9 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Children

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Streak-based	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.
BEHAVIORAL	Level-based	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.
BEHAVIORAL	Combined: level and streak	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.
BEHAVIORAL	Control	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-28
• Primary completion: 2027-07-01
• Completion: 2027-12-01
• First posted: 2026-04-03
• Last updated: 2026-04-03