Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Small Monetary Incentives for Digital Cognitive Training Adherence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Sponsor: Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing
Summary
This study aims to find out whether small daily monetary rewards can help older adults living in the community to regularly complete digital cognitive training. Cognitive training is a promising way to maintain or improve memory and thinking skills in older adults, but many people find it hard to keep training every day. Small rewards, such as a few cents or one yuan per day, have been shown to encourage healthy behaviors in other areas. However, it is not clear whether such rewards are effective for cognitive training. The investigators plan to enroll 110 adults aged 60 years or older who can use a smartphone. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group that receives no money, and three groups that can earn up to 0.2, 0.5, or 1 yuan per day for completing daily cognitive training tasks. The training takes about 15-20 minutes per day and is done through a mobile app. The study lasts 12 weeks with training, followed by 4 weeks without rewards to see if participants continue training. The main question is whether the groups that receive money complete more training days than the control group. The investigators will also examine whether higher rewards lead to better adherence, whether cognitive function improves, and whether the effects differ by income level. This study may provide a low-cost way to help older adults stay engaged in cognitive training and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Official title: Effect of Small Monetary Incentives on Adherence to Digital Cognitive Training Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
60 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
110
Start Date
2026-11-01
Completion Date
2027-09-30
Last Updated
2026-11-03
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Digital cognitive training
Participants complete daily cognitive training tasks via a mobile application ("Memory Fitness Coach," developed by Changsha Wuwangwo Education Technology Co., Ltd.) for approximately 15-20 minutes per day. The tasks target attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed. Task difficulty is automatically adjusted to maintain an accuracy level of approximately 80%. Training is performed at home using the participant's own smartphone. All participants, including those in the control group, receive this intervention during Weeks 2-13.
Monetary incentive 0.2 CNY/day
Participants in this arm receive the same digital cognitive training as the control group, plus a daily monetary reward of up to 0.2 CNY after completing the daily cognitive training session. The actual reward is proportional to accuracy (e.g., 0.2 CNY × accuracy). Rewards are credited daily to the app account and can be withdrawn at any time. This incentive is provided only during the 12-week intervention period (Weeks 2-13).
Monetary incentive 0.5 CNY/day
Participants in this arm receive the same digital cognitive training as the control group, plus a daily monetary reward of up to 0.5 CNY after completing the daily cognitive training session. The actual reward is proportional to accuracy (e.g., 0.5 CNY × accuracy). Rewards are credited daily to the app account and can be withdrawn at any time. This incentive is provided only during the 12-week intervention period (Weeks 2-13).
Monetary incentive 1 CNY/day
Participants in this arm receive the same digital cognitive training as the control group, plus a daily monetary reward of up to 1 CNY after completing the daily cognitive training session. The actual reward is proportional to accuracy (e.g., 1 CNY × accuracy). Rewards are credited daily to the app account and can be withdrawn at any time. This incentive is provided only during the 12-week intervention period (Weeks 2-13).
Locations (5)
Baizhifang Street Community, Xicheng District
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China
Niujie Street Community, Xicheng District
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China
Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China
Fengcheng Town, Yangcheng County
Yangcheng, Shanxi, China
Yanli Town, Yangcheng County
Yangcheng, Shanxi, China