| A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR DESIGNING A GAMIFIED SPORTS APPLICATION TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG IRANIAN ADOLESCENTS |
| Paper ID : 1737-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
علی حبیبی1, فاطمه سادات حسینی *2 1دانشجوی دکتری مدیریت ورزشی، دانشکده تربیت بدنی و علوم ورزشی، دانشگاه علامه طباطبایی، تهران، ایران 2دانشجوی کارشناسی ارشد مدیریت ورزشی دانشگاه تربیت مدرس |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: This study aimed to design a conceptual model for a gamified sports application to promote sustainable physical activity among Iranian adolescents. In recent years, the decline in physical activity levels among adolescents has become a major public health concern. Digital gamification has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance engagement, motivation, and adherence to exercise routines. Accordingly, this research sought to integrate gamification principles with insights from motivational psychology to develop a culturally adapted framework for long-term behavioral change. Methods: The research employed a qualitative grounded theory approach. The statistical population included sports managers, media experts, human rights specialists, and civil society activists. Using theoretical purposive sampling, 15 participants were selected, and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Both participants and academic experts confirmed the validity of the research instrument (semi-structured interview), while reliability was ensured through the intra-thematic agreement method, yielding a 74% agreement rate. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis based on grounded theory through three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, leading to the development of a comprehensive qualitative model. Results: Findings revealed that the integration of gamified elements—such as challenges, rewards, progress tracking, and social interaction significantly enhances intrinsic motivation, sense of belonging, and enjoyment of physical activity. Conclusion: These factors collectively contribute to sustained engagement and behavioral persistence among adolescents. The study concludes that the development of locally designed gamified sports applications represents an innovative and culturally relevant approach to promoting youth physical activity and can serve as a strategic tool in national health and physical education policymaking. |
| Keywords |
| Gamification, Sports Application, Sustainable Physical Activity, Adolescent Motivation |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
