Study Finds Incentives Can Motivate Patients to Boost Daily Step Count
Excitement is brewing about how individuals can be motivated with money and gaming to enhance their physical fitness for improved cardiovascular health.
Gamification is a strategy utilized in various systems, drawing inspiration from the gaming world to motivate specific behaviors in different activities. This can involve providing points, rewards, or recognizing achievements in a systematic manner.
Alison Brown, a registered dietitian and program officer at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), expressed, “Even moderate exercise can significantly decrease cardiovascular risk, so discovering cost-effective ways to encourage people to engage in physical activity at home is a significant public health victory.”
Funded by an NHLBI grant, the study published in Circulation on April 7 found that participants who received gamification and financial incentives managed to add an average of 40 minutes of moderate exercise per week, translating to a 6% reduction in premature death and a 10% decrease in cardiovascular-related deaths.
The study incorporated various interventions, including gaming-style incentives, financial rewards, a combination of both, and a control group that received daily step count messages.
Participants were required to meet daily step goals to maintain points and advance levels in the gamification group, with the opportunity to involve a support system for accountability. Financial group participants faced monetary consequences for not meeting step targets, while a third group received both gaming and financial incentives.
The research emphasizes the effectiveness of immediate rewards in increasing physical activity among individuals who may struggle with long-term motivation, ultimately promoting better cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Embracing the power of gamification and financial incentives can significantly impact individuals’ physical fitness and cardiovascular health. By leveraging these strategies effectively, healthcare professionals and individuals alike can work towards a healthier future through sustainable lifestyle changes and increased physical activity.
