Using Social Connectedness to Increase Physical Activity
Completed · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Activity, Motor, Social Isolation
In brief
A randomized controlled trial will test the effectiveness of social incentives relative to traditional incentives in promoting walking behavior among college students (N=200). Participants who are rewarded for walking together will be compared to those who are rewarded for walking even when alone. Research participants will download activity tracking apps (Fitbit app and AWARE app) that provide activity and location data. Participants will be consented and then randomized to one of two incentive schemes for walking. Over a 2-week intervention period, the standard incentive group will earn $2 per day when they meet their walking goal regardless of whether they walk alone or with others. The social incentive group will earn $1 per day when they reach their walking goal plus an additional $1 when they walk at least 2000 steps with their walking partner. The incentive scheme will be in place for 2-weeks, preceded by a 1-week baseline period and followed by a 2-week follow-up period.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT04573972
- Run by
- Carnegie Mellon University
- People needed
- 172
- Starts
- 2020-09-30
- Expected to finish
- 2021-01-04
- Last updated by the study team
- 2024-03-28
Who can join
Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Age 18+
- Able to read and understand English-language surveys
- Own either iPhone or Android smartphones
- Willing to carry the smart phone during the study period and to respond to daily texts or emails from the study team
- Registered for the study as a dyad (friend pairs), with one member of the dyad a Carnegie Mellon University student
You may not qualify if…
- Contraindications for increased physical activity
Where it is running
- Carnegie Mellon University — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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