Walking the Talk: Long-Term Impact of Financial Incentives on Physical Activity

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

In the intricate dance between financial incentives and physical activity, a recent study conducted by the University of Western Ontario illuminates a nuanced relationship. More than a mere carrot dangling before participants, it appears that the promise of a little extra money might serve as a potent motivator for maintaining the habit, even after the financial rewards disappear.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the study encompassed over 580,000 Canadians from three provinces who participated in a step-counting app experiment. Despite the removal of incentives after a year, the majority of participants continued their walking routines, albeit with a slight dip.

The app proved to be an effective tool, coaxing an average of 900 additional steps daily from its users, a number that doubled for those who were initially inactive. When the monetary incentives – in the form of rewards like gas cards and movie tickets – were withdrawn, step counts experienced a decline of roughly 200 steps. Researchers labeled this drop as "not clinically significant," suggesting that the impact on overall health was minimal.

The study's significance extends beyond the realm of academia. It addresses a longstanding challenge faced by governments, companies, and corporate wellness programs – the perceived expense of incentivizing physical activity. In a world where the balance between motivation and cost is delicate, this research provides valuable insights for shaping effective and sustainable health programs. The study, conducted amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifies the power of understanding human behavior in promoting lasting health habits.

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