Using behavioral economics to encourage physical activity in patients at risk for heart disease
Behavioral Economic Approaches to Increase Physical Activity among Patients with Elevated Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
This study is looking at fun ways, like games and rewards, to help people at higher risk for heart disease get more active, and it’s for anyone who wants to improve their exercise habits over the next year.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10478877 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how behavioral economic strategies, such as gamification and financial incentives, can motivate individuals at elevated risk for cardiovascular disease to increase their physical activity levels. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with four groups over a 12-month period, assessing the effectiveness of these interventions compared to a control group. Participants will engage in activities designed to make physical exercise more appealing and rewarding, with follow-up assessments to evaluate long-term impacts on their health behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are at elevated risk for cardiovascular disease.
Not a fit: Patients who are already highly active or those without any cardiovascular risk factors may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies that significantly increase physical activity among patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, improving their overall health and reducing disease incidence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in using behavioral economic approaches to improve health behaviors, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Volpp, Kevin G — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Volpp, Kevin G
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.