The effect of participation in an incentive-based wellness program on self-reported exercise.

ABSTRACT: Employers are increasingly trying to promote healthy behaviors, including regular exercise, through wellness programs that offer financial incentives. However, there is limited evidence that these types of programs affect exercise habits within employee populations. In this study, we estimate the effect of participation in an incentive-based wellness program on self-reported exercise. Since 2008, the University of Minnesota's Fitness Rewards Program has offered a $20 monthly incentive to encourage fitness center utilization among its employees. Using 2006 to 2010 health risk assessments and university administrative files for 2972 employees, we conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing propensity score methods to estimate the effect of participation in the Fitness Rewards Program on

SUBMITTER: Crespin DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4706165 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature