Is commercial mHealth app use linked with sustained physical activity? A 12-month quasi-experimental study

Using financial rewards (such as gift cards, free movies, etc.) has been shown to be effective in increasing physical activity levels in the short term (i.e., three months). However, there remains little evidence to support the use of financial rewards in changing behaviour in the long term (i.e., 12 months). This project will examine the long-term effects of using small financial rewards in a smartphone health application to increase daily steps and minutes of physical activity after a 3-month intervention (at 6 and 12 months). This research collaboration will result in the collection and analysis of a large data set examining changes in people from Leeds, UK. Additionally, the partner will benefit from the collaboration with assistance in app product and content development, in addition to evidence-based behavioural science app features to increase long-term behaviour change and app use/engagement.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marc Mitchell

Student:

Partner:

Caterpillar Health

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Information and cultural industries

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: