Understanding Mechanisms of Exercise Behavior Change

Understanding Mechanisms of Exercise Behavior Change

This research seeks to examine psychological factors that may impact relationship between incentives and health behavior engagement, specifically physical activity. Additionally, it will compare the impact of two different incentive schedules on behavior engagement, one providing immediate rewards (i.e. rewards received on a daily basis) and another providing delayed rewards (i.e. rewards received at the end of the study period), with an active self-monitoring intervention condition in which no rewards are offered. Study participants will provide reports of their physical activity each day for three weeks, and in the two incentive conditions, they will receive small monetary rewards for their physical activity. Following the three week reporting and reward period, participants will complete two additional assessments, measuring psychological constructs and behavior engagement following the cessation of rewards. The study will also examine how cognitive and anthropomorphic factors may contribute to intervention response and the effects on psychological constructs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Complete less than 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity weekly
• Daily access to the internet for 3 weeks following baseline research visit
• Have or are willing to create an account on PayPal
• Willing to wear a heart rate monitor watch during physical activity for 3 weeks
• BMI greater than or equal to 25, from self-reported height and weight

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease