"Boosting Step Counts: How Incentives, Including Cash, Motivated People"
A study published in Circulation found that providing incentives, including cash rewards and game-oriented challenges, helped participants increase their daily step counts by 1,500 steps and add 40 minutes of moderate exercise per week. The participants, with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, were encouraged to become more active and were given wearable devices to track their steps. Those in the incentive groups showed the most significant increase in physical activity and maintained it for at least six months after the study ended, leading to a 10% decline in their risk for cardiovascular-related death. Researchers suggest using exercise apps and creating games or financial scenarios with friends and family to enhance personal health goals.