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A recent study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has revealed promising results in encouraging physical activity among adults at risk of heart disease. Published in Circulation and presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Session, the study demonstrated that daily reminders and incentives led to a significant increase in daily steps and exercise time, correlating with reduced risks of premature death and cardiovascular-related deaths.
The study, conducted between 2019 and 2024, involved over 1,000 adults at elevated risk for major cardiovascular events. Participants were equipped with wearable fitness trackers connected to an online health portal to monitor their baseline daily step count. They then set goals to increase their daily steps by specific percentages or amounts.
Participants were divided into four groups, each receiving different interventions. One group received daily reminders of their step count, while others were offered financial incentives or point-based rewards resembling a game. The most effective results were observed in the group receiving both financial incentives and game-like rewards, with participants continuing to show increased activity levels even six months after the incentives stopped.
According to Alison Brown, Ph.D., R.D., a program officer at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), finding cost-effective methods to encourage physical activity is crucial for public health, given its significant impact on reducing cardiovascular risk.
Throughout the study period, participants in all groups significantly increased their daily step count by over 1,500 steps, resulting in an additional 40 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Notably, the group receiving combined incentives saw the highest increase in activity levels and sustained the improvement over time.
Dr. Alexander C. Fanaroff, one of the study authors, emphasized the immediate benefits of the interventions, highlighting the effectiveness of creating immediate rewards for movement. He suggested that individuals looking to adopt healthier behaviors, particularly regarding exercise, could apply similar principles in their daily lives.
Furthermore, healthcare systems and organizations could utilize strategies from the study to help patients increase their physical activity levels effectively.
The study’s outcomes offer promising insights into addressing sedentary behavior and promoting physical activity among individuals at risk of heart disease, potentially leading to improved long-term cardiovascular health outcomes.
