We use the FitSphere environment to conduct research, pilot projects, and impact analyses. Our goal is to combine movement data, behavioral science, and practical interventions to create evidence-based solutions to improve public health.
Our long-term goal is to help increase the number of healthy years lived and reduce the burden of diseases caused by inactivity and the related costs to the Health Insurance Fund.
Why do we do this?
Lack of physical activity is one of the most important preventable health risks. Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, several cancers, and mental health problems. According to the World Health Organization, 31% of adults do not exercise enough to stay healthy.1
The problem is not just a lack of knowledge. Most people know that exercise is beneficial, but knowledge is not enough to create lasting behavior change. Therefore, we are exploring which digital interventions can help make movement easier, more motivating, and more consistent.
What are we studying?
- How to get people moving?
We will study which challenges, goals, notifications, recognitions and rewards will help reach people who are currently inactive.
- How to stay motivated?
We will compare different gamification, social support and feedback solutions to understand what helps to maintain activity even after the campaign ends.
- How to build lasting habits?
We will analyze how a regular exercise habit is formed and when a user needs additional support or a new goal.
- Which intervention works for whom?
Different solutions do not work the same for everyone. We will study the results according to age, previous activity level and other relevant characteristics to design more specific interventions.
- Maailma Terviseorganisatsioon (WHO), 2022, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity ↩︎
