A study carried out by the University of Warwick has found that Sweatcoin, an app which incentivises users to exercise by offering cash rewards, can result in users increasing physical activity by up to 20 per cent.
Researchers from the university's Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) department monitored the daily step counts of 6,000 Sweatcoin users for six months after they downloaded the app. This data was then compared to users average physical activity three months prior to the study, with results showing that physical activity increased by an average of 19.5 per cent.
Furthermore, the study found that those typically lacking motivation to exercise, particularly participants with higher BMIs or sedentary lifestyles, were more likely to increase their step count. This suggests that instant reward programmes, such as Sweatcoin, could be key to tackling a number of societal health issues.
Dr Mark Elliott, assistant professor at the Institute of Digital Healthcare at WMG, University of Warwick, said: "By analysing the anonymised daily step count data from a sample of 6000 Sweatcoin users and combining this with data from the surveys and focus groups facilitated by our researchers, we were able to identify which types of user had the biggest impact in terms of increased physical activity from using the app - and these are the groups who traditionally struggle the most with self-motivation."
Oleg Fomenko, co-founder of Sweatcoin, says: "Incentivising people to walk more is key to providing levels of sustained physical activity. Yet traditional ideas such as providing educational seminars and
Sweatcoin co-founder Anton Derlyatka said: "This study suggests we have a tool to reduce the burden on health and community services, saving billions in taxpayer money."
"The results of this study reach far beyond individual benefits; the improved movement of those individuals can collectively and measurably relieve pressure on our strained healthcare systems and improve the overall wellbeing of the nation. We have ambitious plans for Sweatcoin, in collaboration with the private and public sector, to truly bring an end to our deadly sedentary lifestyles."
