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

NCT07509489 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: CZ.02.01.01/00/23_025/0008686
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 160
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief 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

Keywords

incentive; financial; behaviour

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Questionnaire adherence

  Participants are rewarded for completing study questionnaires using a combination of points, streaks, and level-based bonuses to encourage adherence and long-term engagement. 1. Base Reward (Questionnaire Completion) Participants receive points for completing questionnaires. Example: 60% completion 2. 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 3. 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 4\. 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

  14 days

Study Arms (4)

Level-based

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive financial rewards based on a points system, where completed target behaviors are converted into points. Accumulated points determine progression through predefined levels, which represent increasing achievement. Higher levels correspond to higher reward value.

Behavioral: Level-based

Streak-Based

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive financial rewards based on maintaining continuous engagement (streaks). Consecutive days of completing target behaviors unlock virtual equipment or items. Longer streaks result in more valuable rewards.

Behavioral: Streak-based

Combined Streak and level

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive financial rewards based on a combination of levels, and streak-based mechanics. Target behaviors generate points contributing to level progression, while sustained engagement additionally unlocks streaks. This arm integrates both accumulation and consistency-based incentives.

Behavioral: Combined: level and streak

Control

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants use the same mobile application with gamification features, but financial rewards are not linked to levels, or streaks. Rewards are provided only for completing questionnaires. The total potential reward value is equivalent across all arms.

Behavioral: Control

Interventions

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.

Streak-Based

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.

Level-based

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.

Combined Streak and level

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.

Control

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 9 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Charles University, Czech Republic: lead
• University of Hradec Hralove: collaborator
• Masaryk University: collaborator
• Palacky University: collaborator

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Behavior

Central Study Contacts

Andrea Duchonova, Mgr

CONTACT

+420605388535; andrea.duchonova@ftvs.cuni.cz

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 29, 2026
• First Posted: April 3, 2026
• Study Start: March 28, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2027
• Last Updated: April 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share