ArticleJournal of medical Internet research2020
Effects of Incentives on Adherence to a Web-Based Intervention Promoting Physical Activity: Naturalistic Study.
Article in Journal of medical Internet research, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed.
- Investigating When, Which, and Why Users Stop Using a Digital Health Intervention to Promote an Active Lifestyle: Secondary Analysis With A Focus on Health Action Process Approach-Based Psychological Determinants.JMIR mHealth and uHealth · 2022Trial
- Bridging the Digital Divide in Diabetes Care With an AI-Powered Health Coaching Intervention: Qualitative Formative Study.JMIR diabetes · 2026Article
- Optimising the implementation of a universal web-based mental health service for Australian secondary schools: a cluster randomised controlled trial.Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health · 2025Article
- The engagement problem: A review of engagement with digital mental health interventions and recommendations for a path forward.Current treatment options in psychiatry · 2023Article
- New Opportunities for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cognitive Decline: Adherence Challenges and the Promise of Smart and Person-Centered Technologies.BMC digital health · 2023Article
- The Determinants of Telehealth Provision: Empirical Evidence from OECD Countries.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2021Article
- Engagement in Digital Mental Health Interventions: Can Monetary Incentives Help?Frontiers in psychology · 2021Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundDespite many advantages of web-based health behavior interventions such as wide accessibility or low costs, these interventions are often accompanied by high attrition rates, particularly in usage under real-life conditions. It would therefore be helpful to implement strategies such as the use of financial incentives to motivate program participation and increase adherence.
objectiveThis naturalistic study examined real-life usage data of a 12-week web-based physical activity (PA) intervention (Fitness Coach) among insurants who participated in an additional incentive program (incentive group) and those who did not (nonincentive group). Users in the incentive group had the perspective of receiving €30 (about US $33) cash back at the end of the intervention.
methodsRegistration and real-life usage data as part of routine data management and evaluation of the Fitness Coach were analyzed between September 2016 and June 2018. Depending on the duration of use and the weekly recording of tasks, 4 adherence groups (low, occasional, strong, and complete adherence) were defined. Demographic characteristics were collected by a self-reported questionnaire at registration. We analyzed baseline predictors and moderators of complete adherence such as participation in the program, age, gender, and BMI using binary logistic regressions.
resultsA total of 18,613 eligible persons registered for the intervention. Of these, 15,482 users chose to participate in the incentive program (incentive group): mean age 42.4 (SD 14.4) years, mean BMI 24.5 (SD 4.0) kg/m
conclusionsThis is the first naturalistic study in the field of web-based PA interventions that shows the potential of even small financial incentives to increase program adherence. Male users, in particular, seem to be strongly motivated by incentives to complete the intervention. Based on these findings, health care providers can use differentiated incentive systems to increase regular participation in web-based PA interventions.
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