Evaluating the Effect of Competition on Adult Physical Activity Using Heart Rate Monitoring

As of 2023 it has been reported that the United States is facing a physical inactivity crisis, with approximately 24.2% of adults meeting the recommended engagement levels of physical activity (PA). A lack of PA engagement is associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and types of cancer (e.g., colon, breast). Therefore, the purpose of the proposed study is to develop a cost-effective behavioral intervention to promote PA among adults. This study will recruit dyads of existing friends between ages 18–65 who engage in low levels of PA (i.e., at least 45 min per week). First, an individualized heart rate assessment will be conducted to identify each participant’s PA intensity zones. Next, an 8-to-10-week competition-based intervention with online public posting will be implemented between the existing adult peers to promote PA engagement. It is hypothesized that the competition-based intervention will result in an increase in PA engagement for all participants. The findings from this proposed study will contribute to the body of research related to the development and widespread implementation of cost-effective behavioral interventions aimed at promoting PA, thereby addressing the ongoing physical inactivity crisis. Importantly, such programs may reduce the incidence of chronic diseases influenced by sedentary lifestyles.