Walking for a cause: study tests if games and charity boost family fitness

NCT ID NCT04942535

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether social incentives like gamification and charity donations can help low-income families increase their physical activity. Nearly 800 participants from the Philadelphia area wore Fitbits and formed family teams. Each week, a random family member's step goal determined if the team kept points or lost them, with the chance to donate to charity. The goal was to see if these strategies could boost daily step counts over 12 months.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Social incentive gamification and charity-based financial incentives
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward effective, low-cost ways to increase physical activity in underserved communities.
What could go wrong: This is a completed study, but results may not apply to all populations. The intervention relies on family teams and wearable devices, which may not work for everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Motor Activity

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Contacts and locations

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Locations

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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