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Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

1-14-2026

Abstract

Prolonged sedentary behavior in desk-based workers is a critical risk factor for metabolic syndrome, yet existing interventions often fail due to low engagement from delayed feedback and poor personalization. This study tested a novel wearable-gamification intervention combining real-time biosensing with personalized motivation strategies to reduce sedentary time and improve metabolic health in office workers. The aim was to evaluate its efficacy compared to standard reminders and assess its scalability under workplace settings. Method: A randomized controlled trial enrolled 95 adults (25–45 years) with sedentary jobs. Participants were divided into an intervention group (n=48) using a smart wristband linked to a gamified app and a control group (n=47) receiving standard reminders. The intervention integrated Social Cognitive Theory-based algorithms to dynamically adjust exercise goals (e.g., brisk walking/cycling ≥30 minutes daily) using MET values for activity quantification. Real-time haptic prompts, tiered rewards (including a ¥100 incentive for task completion), and personalized feedback were deployed. Sedentary time and physical activity were tracked via device data, while intrinsic motivation was measured using the BREQ-3 scale. Cost-effectiveness was analyzed per MET-hour improvement. The intervention group reduced daily sitting time by 72 minutes (95% CI: 64.5–79.8, p < 0.001), significantly surpassing the control group’s 18-minute decline (p=0.32). Intrinsic motivation mediated 38% of behavioral change (β=0.41, p=0.007), with 83% of participants sustaining app usage post-intervention. The intervention demonstrated cost-effectiveness at ¥12.7 per patient for a 1 MET-hour improvement. Both groups showed no adverse effects, but the gamification cohort achieved clinically meaningful reductions in sedentary behavior. Embedding real-time biosensing into gamified frameworks effectively reduces sedentary time and promotes physical activity in office workers, aligning with WHO workplace health guidelines. The intervention’s success stems from personalized feedback, immediate rewards, and theory-driven design, which enhanced intrinsic motivation and long-term engagement. Its cost-effectiveness and scalability offer enterprises a practical tool to mitigate health risks. Future research should validate these findings across diverse workplaces and integrate environmental triggers to further optimize activity-promoting ecosystems. This study underscores the potential of hybrid digital solutions to address public health challenges.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18122/ijpah.5.1.60.boisestate

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