Using games and social rewards to help heart failure patients exercise more
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Gamification and Social Incentives to Increase Adherence to Physical Activity Among Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10942387 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how fun games and social rewards can help people with heart failure stick to regular exercise, using a special app that tracks their activity and gives them feedback and rewards to keep them motivated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $809,029 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL174691-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942387 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction who struggle with maintaining regular physical activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with heart failure or those who are unable to engage in physical activity due to other medical conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gamification and social incentives can encourage patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) to adhere to regular physical activity. The study utilizes a software platform that tracks physical activity through wearable devices and provides automated feedback and rewards to motivate patients. By applying insights from behavioral economics, the research aims to design effective interventions that can lead to sustained improvements in exercise habits among participants. The approach has previously shown promise in other populations, suggesting it could be beneficial for HFpEF patients as well.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the physical activity levels and overall health of patients with heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has demonstrated success with similar gamification and social incentive approaches in increasing physical activity among other patient populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fanaroff, Alexander Craig — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Fanaroff, Alexander Craig
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Gamified and social incentives to boost activity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
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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.