Our primary conclusion is that there is a lack of compelling evidence that incentives of any form represent a compelling NCD reduction strategy .
The rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases ( NCDs ) poses substantial health and economic challenges to both individuals and society .
Application of incentive-based strategies based on traditional and behavioural economic theory has emerged as a potential strategy to address rising rates of NCDs .
Yet , whether or not incentives truly represent a promising strategy for addressing NCDs has not been systematic ally addressed nor is it clear whether certain behavioural economic strategies outperform others or simply offering a cash-based incentive for meeting a goal .
In this systematic review we aim to determine whether there is an evidence base for any of these strategies .
Enhancing physical activity and reducing obesity through smartcare and financial incentives: A pilot randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE A pilot r and omized 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 r and omized 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
Our primary conclusion is that there is a lack of compelling evidence that incentives of any form represent a compelling NCD reduction strategy .
The rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases ( NCDs ) poses substantial health and economic challenges to both individuals and society .
Application of incentive-based strategies based on traditional and behavioural economic theory has emerged as a potential strategy to address rising rates of NCDs .
Yet , whether or not incentives truly represent a promising strategy for addressing NCDs has not been systematic ally addressed nor is it clear whether certain behavioural economic strategies outperform others or simply offering a cash-based incentive for meeting a goal .
In this systematic review we aim to determine whether there is an evidence base for any of these strategies .