Financial incentives to encourage exercise at YMCA facilities
Empirical Testing of a Widely Available Insurance-based Monetary Incentive Program for Exercise: A Randomized Trial
This study is testing if giving YMCA members cash rewards for attending exercise sessions can help them be more active.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 330 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brown University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Providence, Rhode Island) |
| Trial ID | NCT05704712 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of financial incentives in promoting physical activity among YMCA members. A total of 330 adults will be randomly assigned to receive either monetary rewards for attending exercise sessions or a control condition. Participants can earn up to $200 by attending at least 50 sessions over a 6-month period, with assessments conducted every 3 months to monitor progress. The study seeks to determine if financial motivation can significantly increase physical activity levels in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are current members or willing to become members of specified YMCA branches in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Not a fit: Patients who are physically incapable of exercise or have been advised by a doctor not to exercise will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to increased physical activity and improved health outcomes for participants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that financial incentives can effectively increase physical activity, suggesting this approach may be promising.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. A current member, or willing to become a current member of one of the following branches of the YMCA: 1. Bayside Family YMCA (Barrington, RI) 2. Cranston YMCA (Cranston, RI) 3. East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA (Providence, RI) 4. Kent County YMCA (Warwick, RI) 5. Newman YMCA (Seekonk, MA) 6. South County YMCA (South Kingston, RI) 2. Age 18 years or older 3. Physically capable of engaging in exercise Exclusion Criteria: 1. Not a current member, and unwilling to become a member of one of the above listed YMCA branches. 2. Under age 18. 3. Physically incapable of exercise 4. Doctor has recommended that you should not exercise because of a current health condition
Where this trial is running
Providence, Rhode Island
- Brown University — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David M Williams, Ph.D. — Brown University School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Lauren C Bohlen, Ph.D.
- Email: exercise4good@brown.edu
- Phone: 401-863-6559
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.