JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In the Netherlands, neighborhood sport coaches play an important role as intermediaries in promoting physical activity in the neighborhood. Gamification is the use of game elements in non-game contexts, can be implemented with or without technology, and holds promise for promoting physical activity. Neighborhood sport coaches infrequently avail of this option.

Objective:

This study aimed to understand barriers to, and facilitators of, using gamification to promote physical activity, as perceived by neighborhood sport coaches.

Methods:

Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with neighborhood sport coaches in the Netherlands. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed by means of thematic analysis using Atlas.ti 22 software. The deductive coding was informed by the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior model and the Theoretical Domains Framework, complemented by inductive coding.

Results:

Barriers and facilitators identified as influencing the implementation of gamification related to seven themes. Neighborhood sport coaches required technical, creative, and promotion skills, knowledge about existing gamification tools, and social support from their employer and professional network. Financial costs were identified as a barrier to the successful implementation of gamification. Lack of clarity regarding stakeholders’ responsibility to implement gamification could further hamper implementation. In general, neighborhood sport coaches were positive about investing time in implementing gamification and expected positive effects from implementing it.

Conclusions:

To overcome identified barriers, a clear overview of tools, best practices, and available subsidies must be created, a gamification network must be established, the responsibility of neighborhood sport coaches must be clarified, and guidance must be offered on the promotion of gamification.