"Incentivizing Daily Exercise for Long-Term Activity Boost"

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health found that providing incentives and daily reminders led to a significant increase in physical activity among adults at risk for heart disease, resulting in an additional 40 minutes of moderate exercise weekly and sustained health benefits six months post-trial. The combination of financial rewards and game-like points was the most effective method in promoting physical activity, leading to a notable decrease in the risk of premature and cardiovascular-related deaths. The findings emphasize the importance of immediate rewards in promoting long-term health behaviors and highlight the potential for low-cost ways to encourage people to stay active for long-term heart health.