A recent study supported by the National Institutes of Health, published in Circulation and presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Session, has highlighted the efficacy of daily reminders and incentive programs in significantly increasing physical activity among adults at risk for heart disease.
The study, which tracked over 1,000 adults with heightened cardiovascular risk from 2019 to 2024, demonstrated that participants increased their daily steps by more than 1,500 after a year of receiving interventions.
These interventions included game-like rewards, financial incentives, or a combination of both, leading to an additional 40 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Researchers observed these changes correlating with a 6% reduction in premature death risk and a 10% decrease in cardiovascular-related deaths.
For health coaches, this study underscores the potential of incorporating regular follow-ups and motivational strategies into their practices. The use of wearable fitness technology, alongside creative incentive mechanisms like point systems and financial rewards, could be instrumental in supporting clients’ cardiovascular health.
The implications of this research are significant, offering a blueprint for effective client engagement strategies that not only promote increased physical activity but also sustain these health behaviors over time.
Health coaches can leverage these findings to enhance their service offerings, potentially integrating similar incentive-based frameworks to encourage and maintain healthy lifestyle changes among their clients.
Moreover, the study’s emphasis on moderate, achievable increases in activity levels aligns with the practical advice that health coaches often provide, reinforcing the message that even small changes can lead to significant health benefits. This approach can be particularly appealing to clients who may be intimidated by more rigorous exercise regimens.
The effectiveness of combining daily reminders with financial incentives or point-based rewards to motivate physical activity introduces a dynamic approach to health coaching. This method, which harnesses both behavioral economics and psychological motivation, can be particularly useful in helping clients overcome the initial resistance to lifestyle changes.
“Health coaches are well-positioned to implement these strategies, customizing them to fit individual client profiles and preferences, thus enhancing adherence and long-term health outcomes,” said the study authors.
Healthcare systems and organizations could also benefit from integrating these findings into their wellness programs, providing another avenue for health coaches to collaborate and expand their influence. By adopting these evidence-based practices, health coaches can play a pivotal role in the broader health care ecosystem, driving the adoption of healthy behaviors that significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
