Health Behavior, Physical Activity
Conditions
Keywords
behaviour change, incentives, nudging, physical activity, self-monitoring
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of using incentives to encourage adults to be physically active.
Detailed description
The investigators developed the Physical Activity Loyalty Card (PAL) Scheme which integrates a novel physical activity tracking system with web-based monitoring and nudge initiatives. The tracking system used Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology and a loyalty card (PAL Card) which contained a passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. Sensors were placed along footpaths in the outdoor environment, in the gym and exercise studio, and participants scanned their PAL card at the sensor when doing physical activity (e.g. walking). A transaction (card ID, sensor ID, and timestamp) was recorded and sent via SMS to a secure data centre. Participants logged onto a personal account on the study website (www.palcard.co.uk) and received real-time feedback on various aspects of their physical activity including minutes, distance and calories expended.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALNon-cash incentives
Participants used their PAL card to self-monitor physical activity levels (intrinsic motivation) and minutes of physical activity were converted to points (1 minute of PA = 1 point; capped at 30 points per day) over the 12-week intervention period. Points were redeemed for rewards (extrinsic motivation) at week 6 and week 12.
BEHAVIORALSelf-monitoring physical activity levels
For those in the 'No Incentive' arm, participants used their PAL card to self-monitor their physical activity levels but did not collect points or earn rewards.
Sponsors
Queen's University, Belfast
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* males and females * aged 18-65 years old * able to complete 15 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity * based at least 4 days per week (and 6 hours per day) at worksite
Exclusion criteria
* advised by General Practitioner not to participate in exercise
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Physical activity | baseline, week 12 and 6 months | change in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ); MVPA using an objective physical activity measure (physical activity tracking system) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SF-8 | baseline, week 12 and 6 months | health |
| Euroqol 5D | baseline, week 12 and 6 months | Quality of life |
| Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Scale | baseline, week 12 and 6 months | Physical activity self-efficacy |
| Work absenteeism | baseline, week 12 and 6 months | Number of sick days from work |
| Exit questionnaire | week 12 | Participant satisfaction with study involvement |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed