Game on: social rewards may get heart patients moving

NCT ID NCT06670001

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether adding game-like elements and social rewards (like support or friendly competition) can motivate people with a type of heart failure (HFpEF) to walk more. About 270 adults will use a step tracker and be randomly assigned to one of two gamification programs or a control group. The goal is to see if these fun incentives lead to lasting increases in daily steps and better quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: gamification plus social incentives (social support or competition)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could offer a simple, non-drug way to help people with heart failure become more active and feel better.
What could go wrong: This is a behavioral study, not a treatment for the disease itself. Results may vary, and increased activity might not translate to lasting health improvements.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HFPEF - HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diastolic heart failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HFPEF - HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

The University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.