Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity is crucial for child obesity prevention and intervention. Narratives embedded in active games can increase children’s physical activity.ObjectiveLittle is known about the narrative characteristics that would motivate children to exercise. We attempted to fill the gaps in understanding regarding narrative design for active video games.MethodsIn this exploratory study, four animated narratives of different genres were professionally generated. Children (N=41) between the ages of 8 and 12 years were interviewed to identify their preferences. Sessions were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using exploratory thematic analysis.ResultsFindings revealed that the children rated the dystopian science fiction story as their favorite across all weight, race, and gender groups. The physical activity-friendly narrative strategies included virtuous characters, extraordinary character actions, interesting plots, super powers, and engaging cliffhangers. Alternatively, information not related to physical activity, difficult-to-follow plot lines, passive protagonists, and repetitive narrative tropes were less appealing for physical activity.ConclusionsThis research provides preliminary evidence that narratives have characteristics that may increase child physical activity when playing active games. Future empirical studies should verify and test these design principles.
Highlights
Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States and beyond [1]
Information not related to physical activity, difficult-to-follow plot lines, passive protagonists, and repetitive narrative tropes were less appealing for physical activity
Our key research questions include: Which of the four narratives would children consider to be the best for motivating them to exercise so that we can develop the narratives further to motivate their long-term moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)? What are the perceived narrative characteristics that help children to exercise versus characteristics to avoid?
Summary
Background Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States and beyond [1]. In 2016, 340 million youth aged 5 to 19 years around the world were overweight or obese [2]. The obesity trend is increasing among many groups, with no ages seeing a decrease [3]. Obesity is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and several types of cancers [4]. Physical activity (PA) is a critical strategy for child obesity prevention [5]. Most PA interventions have not achieved long-term effects, with lack of access and motivation identified as key challenges [8]. Physical activity is crucial for child obesity prevention and intervention. Narratives embedded in active games can increase children’s physical activity
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