The impact of financial incentives on physical activity for employees in the context of workplace health promotion: a systematic review
2024

Financial Incentives and Physical Activity in the Workplace

Sample size: 2646 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Vitzthum Miriam Alice, Krüger Karsten, Weyh Christopher

Primary Institution: Justus-Liebig-University Giessen

Hypothesis

Can financial incentives increase physical activity among employees in workplace health promotion?

Conclusion

Financial incentives in workplace health promotion can positively impact employees' physical activity levels, especially in the short term.

Supporting Evidence

  • Four out of six studies reported positive effects on physical activity during the incentive period.
  • The average age of participants ranged from 35.5 to 43.3 years.
  • Women accounted for between 48.6% and 88% of participants.
  • Risk of bias was rated as high in three studies and low in one.

Takeaway

Giving employees money or rewards for being active can help them move more, especially at first.

Methodology

A systematic review of 6 studies, including randomized controlled trials and non-RCTs, assessed the effects of financial incentives on physical activity.

Potential Biases

High risk of bias in 3 studies, moderate in 2, and low in 1.

Limitations

The review included studies with varying quality and risk of bias, and the evidence was rated as moderate due to concerns about blinding and reporting.

Participant Demographics

Participants were employees from various organizations, with an average age between 35.5 and 43.3 years, and a gender distribution of 48.6% to 88% women.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 600-1490

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/joccuh/uiae048

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