This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows:

The main aim of the review is to determine the effectiveness of using incentive-based approaches (IBAs) (financial and non-financial) to increase physical activity in community-dwelling children and adults.

A secondary objective will be to address the use of incentives to improve cardiovascular and metabolic fitness.

A final objective will be to explore:

• whether there are any adverse effects associated with the use of IBAs for increasing physical activity;

• whether there are any differential effects of IBAs within and between study populations by age, gender, education, inequalities and health status; and

• whether the use of disincentive/aversive approaches leads to a reduction in sedentary behaviour.