Enhancing physical activity and reducing obesity through smartcare and financial incentives: A pilot randomized trial

Objective A pilot randomized trial assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention combining Smartcare (activity tracker with a smartphone application) and financial incentives. Methods A three-arm, open-label randomized controlled trial design involving traditional education, Smartcare, and Smartcare with financial incentives was involved in this study. The latter group received financial incentives depending on the achievement of daily physical activity goals (process incentive) and weight loss targets (outcome incentive). Male university students (N = 105) with body mass index of ≥27 were enrolled. Results The average weight loss in the traditional education, Smartcare, and Smartcare with financial incentives groups was −0.4, −1.1, and −3.1 kg, respectively, with significantly greater weight loss in the third group (both Ps < 0.01). The final weight loss goal was achieved by 0, 2, and 10 participants in the traditional education, Smartcare, and Smartcare with financial incentives groups (odds ratio for the Smartcare with financial incentive vs. Smartcare = 7.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.45–36.47). Levels of physical activity were significantly higher in this group. Conclusions The addition of financial incentives to Smartcare was effective in increasing physical activity and reducing obesity.