Put your money where your feet are: The real-world effects of StepBet gamified deposit contracts for physical activity

• DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100610
• Publication Date: 2023-02-26T20:43:33Z
• Authors: David R. de Buisonjé; Fiona Brosig; Linda D. Breeman; Erika Litvin Bloom; Thomas Reijnders; Veronica R. Janssen; Roderik A. Kraaij...; Hareld M.C. Kemps; Andrea W.M. Evers
• Keywords: Pledge; Baseline (sea)

Gamification and deposit contracts (a financial incentive in which participants pledge their own money) can enhance effectiveness of mobile behavior change interventions. However, to assess potential for improving population health, research should investigate implementation gamified outside the setting. Therefore, we analyzed data from StepBet, a smartphone application originally developed by WayBetter, Inc.To perform naturalistic evaluation StepBet contracts, whom they work best, under conditions are most effective help increase physical activity.WayBetter provided that participated stepcount challenge between 2015 2020 (N = 72,974). challenges were offered on application. The modal consisted $40 made prior 6-week period during needed reach daily weekly step goals order regain deposit. Participants who met also received additional earnings paid out money lost those failed challenge. Challenge tailored 90-day historic count retrieval was used as baseline comparison this study. Primary outcomes (continuous) success (dichotomous).Overall, average counts increased 31.2 % (2423 steps, SD 3462) 7774 steps (SD 3112) at 10,197 4162) rate 73 %. Those succeeded (n 53,281) 44.0 (3465 3013), while 19,693) decreased -5.3 (-398 3013). Challenges started New Year's resolution slightly more successful (77.7 %) than rest year (72.6 %).In real-world setting, among large diverse sample, participating contract associated with counts. A majority succeeding clinically relevant Based these findings, recommend implementing activity where possible. An interesting avenue future is explore possible setback effects people fail challenge, how setbacks be mitigated.Open Science Framework (doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/D237C).