Application of gamification programs in exercise rehabilitation for knee osteoarthritis：a scoping review
Objective To conduct a scoping review of the application of gamification programs in exercise rehabilitation for knee osteoarthritis，examining the application carriers，game content，outcome indicators，measurement tools，and application effects of gamification programs，to provide references for future practice and related research in this field. Methods The search was conducted in PubMed，Web of Science，Cochrane Library，Scopus，CINAHL，China National Knowledge Infrastructure，CNKI，and Wanfang Data from their inception to December 28，2024. The included studies were summarized and analyzed. Results A total of 28 studies were included in the review. The game carriers encompassed virtual reality technology，sensor devices，and mobile applications. The game content covered interactive motion games，aerobic exercises，and goal-motivated games. Outcome indicators included functional performance，physical activity，pain，psychological and health status，and user experience. Gamification programs were found to effectively enhance user engagement，improve physical function，reduce negative emotions，and improve quality of life. However，there remains controversy regarding their efficacy in pain relief. Conclusion Gamification programs have shown positive effects in exercise rehabilitation for knee osteoarthritis. Future efforts should focus on developing gamification programs that are culturally appropriate for China，creating “digital therapeutics”，continuously updating systems，conducting economic evaluations，and ensuring digital equity to enhance patients’ rehabilitation experiences and improve health outcomes.
REN Sisi , CAO Xiangyang , ZHU Daqiao , LIU Mengyao , YANG Hongping , ZHANG Jieyu , YANG Xin , CHEN Ying , YANG Chaofan , CHEN Rui . Application of gamification programs in exercise rehabilitation for knee osteoarthritis：a scoping review[J]. Chinese Journal of Nursing, 2025 , 60(10) : 1184 -1189 . DOI: 10.3761/j.issn.0254-1769.2025.10.005
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