Gameplay as a source of intrinsic motivation in a randomized controlled trial of auditory training for tinnitus

PLoS One. 2014 Sep 12;9(9):e107430. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107430. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Background: Previous studies of frequency discrimination training (FDT) for tinnitus used repetitive task-based training programmes relying on extrinsic factors to motivate participation. Studies reported limited improvement in tinnitus symptoms.

Purpose: To evaluate FDT exploiting intrinsic motivations by integrating training with computer-gameplay.

Methods: Sixty participants were randomly assigned to train on either a conventional task-based training, or one of two interactive game-based training platforms over six weeks. Outcomes included assessment of motivation, tinnitus handicap, and performance on tests of attention.

Results: Participants reported greater intrinsic motivation to train on the interactive game-based platforms, yet compliance of all three groups was similar (∼ 70%) and changes in self-reported tinnitus severity were not significant. There was no difference between groups in terms of change in tinnitus severity or performance on measures of attention.

Conclusion: FDT can be integrated within an intrinsically motivating game. Whilst this may improve participant experience, in this instance it did not translate to additional compliance or therapeutic benefit.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02095262.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Audiometry
  • Auditory Perception / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation* / physiology
  • Tinnitus / pathology
  • Tinnitus / therapy*
  • Video Games*

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02095262

Grants and funding

This work was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Unit Programme, however, the views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.