Gamification and rehabilitation care for patient health and wellness

Category

Business, Economics and Law

Description of research project

We are looking for individuals to take part in a research study exploring how to improve patient motivation and engagement in physical rehabilitation using gamification – the use of game-like elements such as points and rewards to make tasks more engaging.

What is the study about?
Injuries can have a serious effect on people’s physical and mental well-being. We are exploring ways to make rehabilitation more effective by learning how game-like approaches could help people stay motivated during their recovery. While gamification has shown promise in other areas of healthcare, we want to understand what would work best in the context of physical rehabilitation here in Aotearoa New Zealand. This research is funded by the Health Research Council and led by a university-based research team.

Who can take part?
We’re looking for adults in New Zealand who are currently going through, or have recently completed, rehabilitation for a physical injury. You don’t need to have any experience with games or gamification.

What will participation involve?
You will take part in a one-on-one interview, which typically last about 40–60 minutes. The interview can be done in person or online (via Zoom or Microsoft Teams), whatever works best for you. You are welcome to bring a support person if you would like.

What are the benefits of taking part?
Your insights will help improve how rehabilitation services are designed and delivered, making them more motivating, inclusive, and effective. As a thank you for your time, you will receive a gift voucher and transportation costs will be reimbursed if applicable.

We appreciate your time and voice in shaping the future of rehabilitation care in Aotearoa.

Inclusion and/or exclusion criteria

You are invited to participate in this study if you meet the study requirements:
• You are over 21
• Live in New Zealand
• Have had a physical injury in the past year
• Have completed or are currently in rehabilitation
• Speak English fluently

Statement of ethics approval

Approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee on 2025-03-06 for until 5 March 2028.

AUTEC approval number

25/17

Contact person

Sheau Fen (Crystal) Yap, crystal.yap@aut.ac.nz

Participant information sheet

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