Currently submitted to: JMIR Serious Games
Date Submitted: Mar 26, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Mar 27, 2026 - May 22, 2026
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A Gamified Mobile Application for Lung Re‑Expansion Therapy: A Preclinical User Experience Evaluation
ABSTRACT
Background:
Lung re‑expansion therapies are essential for preventing pulmonary complications but are frequently affected by low adherence due to their repetitive nature and limited supervision outside clinical settings. Gamification has shown potential to enhance engagement in rehabilitation and digital health interventions; however, its application to respiratory physiotherapy remains underexplored.
Objective:
This study evaluates user experience, enjoyment, and engagement with a gamified mobile application designed to support lung re-expansion therapy in a preclinical, non-patient setting.
Methods:
A gamified mobile application integrating a digital spirometer was developed to guide deep‑inspiration exercises through game mechanics and feedback. Twelve non‑patient users completed a structured evaluation using an adapted questionnaire derived from the Game Experience Questionnaire and Player Experience of Need Satisfaction instruments. Enjoyment‑related indicators, including engagement, perceived control, clarity of instructions, challenge, frustration, and overall experience were assessed alongside descriptive performance metrics.
Results:
Participants reported high levels of engagement, perceived performance, clarity of instructions, and overall experience, alongside low levels of stress and frustration. Correlation analyses revealed strong associations between engagement and clarity of instructions, and between perceived performance and overall experience. Qualitative feedback identified technical synchronization and customization complexity as primary sources of frustration.
Conclusions:
The gamified application delivered a positive user experience and supported key enjoyment indicators associated with engagement, thereby establishing an experiential foundation relevant to adherence in subsequent patient‑centered evaluations. This preclinical study identifies usability strengths and limitations that inform further system refinement and future patient‑centered research.
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