Paying people to move: hospital study tests cash for fitness
NCT ID NCT02850094
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether giving money to hospital employees would encourage them to be more physically active. 292 participants who exercised less than 30 minutes per week were given Fitbits and could earn up to $860 over 24 weeks by increasing their activity. The goal was to see if financial bonuses help people meet exercise guidelines.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Financial bonuses
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that small cash rewards motivate people to exercise more, potentially informing workplace wellness programs.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in a specific group (hospital employees), so results may not apply to the general population. The effect may not last after bonuses stop.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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