BWH Wellness Initiative
B-Well is a research study to establish whether monetary incentives rewarded for increased physical activity could lead to higher levels of compliance with CDC guidelines among Brigham and Women’s Hospital employees.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. The majority of Americans do not meet these recommendations, contributing to lower life expectancy, lower quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Many people who do not exercise regularly experience barriers to becoming more active, such as lack of time and motivation. B-Well was designed to use principles of behavioral economics to help people overcome these barriers.
All B-Well participants received a Fitbit Flex activity monitor, a device worn around their wrist which records the steps they take throughout the day. Participants could earn rewards for meeting weekly goals by either increasing their physical activity by 10% from the previous week or meeting CDC guidelines.
Funding for B-Well is provided by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Presidential Fund.