JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) requires consistent sustained management, including high levels of patient engagement in physical activity and self-care. Gamified interventions have emerged as tools to improve adherence, motivation, and outcomes in chronic disease management.

Objective:

Objective:

This review evaluates the effectiveness of gamified interventions in COPD management, focusing on patient engagement, physical outcomes and quality of life.

Methods:

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, IEEE Xplore, Cochrane Library, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for studies published from January 2014 to October 2024.

Results:

Results:

Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria: 11 randomized controlled trials, 7 pilot studies, 5 observational studies (including qualitative studies) and 6 are others utilizing virtual reality (VR), exergames, and mobile apps. Compared to non-gamified methods, gamified interventions provided an engaging, home-based alternative for COPD management, supporting long-term rehabilitation. Gamification features such as real-time feedback, adaptive challenges, and personalized goals increased patient adherence and motivation, with high engagement seen in VR and exergame-based interventions and showed notable improvements in COPD management, enhancing exercise tolerance, self-management, and symptom control. However, most studies were of short duration, with small sample sizes.

Conclusions:

Gamified COPD management tools offer flexibility and empower patients to self-manage their condition, potentially reducing the need for clinic visits. Gamified interventions show promise in COPD management, though current studies have methodological limitations. Future research should focus on larger trials, culturally relevant adaptations, and collaboration with patients, clinicians and game developers to enhance efficacy and accessibility.