"Incentivizing Exercise: Short-term Rewards Yield Long-term Activity Boost"

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health found that providing daily reminders or incentives, such as financial rewards or game-like points, led to sustained increases in physical activity among adults with cardiovascular disease risks. Participants who received these incentives increased their daily steps by over 1,500 after a year, resulting in reduced risk of premature death and cardiovascular-related deaths. The study suggests that offering immediate benefits or rewards for movement can be an effective strategy for behavior change, with potential implications for public health and patient care.