By Dr. Tiffani S. Bacon, PT
Founder of The Bladder Breakthrough™ | Pediatric Pelvic Health Specialist

The Power of Gamified Pelvic Floor Training for Kids

Did you know that playful games could help your child feel more confident about overcoming bedwetting?  Imagine turning potty training into an adventure where every small step forward feels like progress in a favorite game. Gamification isn’t just about having fun—it’s a tool that keeps kids engaged and motivated, especially when the pr

ocess gets tough. Research shows that while clinical results for game-based pelvic floor training are similar to standard methods, children find the game approach much more engaging and are less likely to feel bored or 

frustrated.

For many families, finding the right support for urinary incontinence can be overwhelming. Traditional pen-and-paper diaries or sticker charts may not capture your child’s interest, especially in a world where digital tools are everywhere. That’s why more parents are looking for solutions that combine fun, technology, and practical support. Gamification is one part of a bigger picture, and when it’s combined with digital reminders and telehealth, it can help build a system that supports your child from every angle.

How Gamification Transforms Bladder Training 

For many families, sticking with traditional bladder training routines can feel discouraging. Children often get bored with repetitive exercises or forget to do them, and sticker charts or verbal reminders lose their impact over time. As a result, motivation drops, and parents may pause or abandon treatment when progress stalls.

Gamification offers a different approach. Instead of relying on routine reminders, children use interactive games to practice pelvic floor exercises. Most of these games use pelvic floor electromyography (EMG) sensors, worn like small patches, to detect muscle activity. When a child contracts or relaxes the right muscles, the game responds—maybe a character jumps, collects stars, or completes a mission. This playful format turns therapy into an activity children actually look forward to.

Research on these biofeedback games is promising, especially for children with dysfunctional voiding. In one retrospective study, children using animated biofeedback games reached their goals in about half the number of sessions compared to those using standard biofeedback (an average of 3.6 sessions versus 7.6). While overall treatment success was similar, children showed quicker improvement in muscle activation during training games with animations. Most importantly, kids consistently say they prefer the game format and are more likely to keep up with sessions.

The design of these games matters. Features like rewards, progress bars, and new levels provide instant feedback and a clear sense of achievement. For example, a child might unlock a new character after a few days of consistent practice, or watch their progress grow as they use their muscles correctly. These small, visible wins make a bigger impact than simple praise, helping children stay engaged over time.

Still, gamification alone isn’t enough for every child. The best results come when these engaging tools are part of a larger support system that might include hydration tracking, scheduled bathroom breaks, or reminders. Many parents still find themselves juggling separate apps and devices, which can make the process feel fragmented. That’s why it’s important to look at how all these tools can work together to create a more connected and supportive experience for families.

📚 References

• Tønnessen, F. E., & Ueland, T. (2022). Gamification in learning: Engagement and motivation for students with reading and writing difficulties. Seminar.net – International Journal of Media, Technology and Lifelong Learning, 18(1). https://journals.oslomet.no/index.php/seminar/article/download/5774/5063/33645

• Jeong, S. J., Kim, T. H., & Cho, S. Y. (2016). Update on the diagnosis and management of enuresis in children. International Neurourology Journal, 20(2), 119–127. https://doi.org/10.5213/inj.16101sc 

• Austin, P. F., Bauer, S. B., Bower, W., Chase, J., Franco, I., Hoebeke, P., ... & Yang, S. S. D. (2014). The standardization of terminology of lower urinary tract function in children and adolescents: Update report from the Standardization Committee of the International Children’s Continence Society. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 35(4), 471–481. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11450244/ 

• Nevéus, T., von Gontard, A., Hoebeke, P., Hjalmas, K., Bauer, S., Bower, W., ... & Yeung, C. K. (2006). The standardization of terminology of lower urinary tract function in children and adolescents: Report from the Standardisation Committee of the International Children’s Continence Society. Journal of Urology, 176(1), 314–324. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12089871/ 

While your child builds body confidence with The Bladder Breakthrough™, our companion app, Gratitude Garden, helps families build emotional strength and teamwork. Plant daily appreciation seeds, watch your child’s self-worth bloom, and create a positive environment where breakthroughs thrive.

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