A mixed-methods randomized controlled trial of financial incentives and peer networks to promote walking among older adults.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether financial incentives and peer networks delivered via eHealth technologies could increase walking among older adults.
Results Summary
The study found no significant differences in walking goal achievement between the intervention groups (Financial Incentive, Peer Network, Combined) and the Comparison group during the 16-week intervention. During the 8-week follow-up, the Peer Network group performed worse than the Comparison group, while the other interventions showed no significant difference.
Population
Older adults with computer and Internet access
Effective Dosage
Daily walking goals (specific step count not mentioned)
Duration
16-week intervention, 8-week follow-up
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
weekly feedback only (Comparison) | no change | proportion of days walking goals were met | older adults with a computer and Internet access | - | no differences in the proportion of days walking goals were met | #1 |
entry into a lottery with potential to earn up to $200 each week walking goals were met (Financial Incentive) | no change | proportion of days walking goals were met | older adults with a computer and Internet access | 39.7% | no differences in the proportion of days walking goals were met | #2 |
linkage to four other participants through an online message board (Peer Network) | no change | proportion of days walking goals were met | older adults with a computer and Internet access | 24.9% | no differences in the proportion of days walking goals were met | #3 |
both interventions (Combined) | no change | proportion of days walking goals were met | older adults with a computer and Internet access | 36.0% | no differences in the proportion of days walking goals were met | #4 |
weekly feedback only (Comparison) during follow-up | neutral | proportion of days walking goals were met | older adults with a computer and Internet access | 34.5% | proportion of days walking goals were met | #5 |
entry into a lottery with potential to earn up to $200 each week walking goals were met (Financial Incentive) during follow-up | no change | proportion of days walking goals were met | older adults with a computer and Internet access | 29.3% | proportion of days walking goals were met was not lower | #6 |
linkage to four other participants through an online message board (Peer Network) during follow-up | decrease | proportion of days walking goals were met | older adults with a computer and Internet access | 18.7% | proportion of days walking goals were met was lower | #7 |
both interventions (Combined) during follow-up | no change | proportion of days walking goals were met | older adults with a computer and Internet access | 24.8% | proportion of days walking goals were met was not lower | #8 |
Financial incentives and peer networks delivered through eHealth technologies | no change | walking more | older adults | - | did not result in older adults walking more | #9 |
BACKGROUND: Financial incentives and peer networks could be delivered through eHealth technologies to encourage older adults to walk more. METHODS: We conducted a 24-week randomized trial in which 92 older adults with a computer and Internet access received a pedometer, daily walking goals, and weekly feedback on goal achievement. Participants were randomized to weekly feedback only (Comparison), entry into a lottery with potential to earn up to $200 each week walking goals were met (Financial Incentive), linkage to four other participants through an online message board (Peer Network), or both interventions (Combined). Main outcomes were the proportion of days walking goals were met during the 16-week intervention and 8-week follow-up. We conducted a content analysis of messages posted by Peer Network and Combined arm participants. RESULTS: During the 16-week intervention, there were no differences in the proportion of days walking goals were met in the Financial Incentive (39.7%; p = .78), Peer Network (24.9%; p = .08), and Combined (36.0%; p = .77) arms compared with the Comparison arm (36.0%). During 8 weeks of follow-up, the proportion of days walking goals were met was lower in the Peer Network arm (18.7%; p = .025) but not in the Financial Incentive (29.3%; p = .50) or Combined (24.8%; p = .37) arms, relative to the Comparison arm (34.5%). Messages posted by participants focused on barriers to walking and provision of social support. CONCLUSIONS: Financial incentives and peer networks delivered through eHealth technologies did not result in older adults walking more.