TAKing Steps for Incentives

TAKing Steps for Incentives (TAKSI) - A Randomized Controlled Trial to Motivate and Sustain Physical Activity Using Financial Incentives

The purpose of this study is to test the overall effects of incentives on physical activity among older taxi drivers, and whether mental accounting exists in this context.

As part of the 4-month Randomized Controlled Trial, participating taxi drivers will be assigned to 1 of 2 groups where they will receive either cash or taxi rental credits for meeting specified monthly step goals measured via a step counter. Subsequently, for an additional 3 months, drivers will be incentivized to wear step counters to test if effects of the rewards are sustained once the reward is no longer in place. Effects will be quantified in terms of step activity; and in terms of changes in Body Mass Index (BMI), Resting Heart Rate (HR), Blood Pressure (BP), self-reported General Health, Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QOL) and work productivity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must be a taxi driver who is a hirer, and who drives for at least 8 hours daily over 5 days
• Aged between 50 to 75
• English/Mandarin-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Report difficulty doing 10 minutes of aerobic activities without stopping, walking up 10 stairs without stopping or performing basic activities of daily living
• Have any medical conditions that limit their ability to walk as a means of physical activity