Financial Incentives Motivate Heart Patients To Stick With An Exercise-Based Rehab Program

Heart attack patients are more receptive to exercising regularly if they get paid to do it, a Canadian review study finds. The financial incentives needn’t be huge – as little as $5 a week can get people up and running, walking, etc. The study looked at data on 1,500 patients who had suffered a heart attack or were at risk for one. All enrolled in cardiac rehab, but may dropped out after six months. The financial incentives model provided an additional strategy to help more people stick to the rehab program and take advantage of life-saving care available. People who participate in cardiac rehab programs after a major heart event cut the risk of dying from another event by as a much as 50 percent.