diff --git a/app.py b/app.py
index 993538cce..d9dca6813 100644
--- a/app.py
+++ b/app.py
@@ -343,9 +343,10 @@ def start_exp():
         part = Participant( hitId, myip, assignmentId, workerId, subj_cond, subj_counter)
         db_session.add( part )
         db_session.commit()
-    
+   
     elif numrecs==1:
-        part = matches[0].subjid
+
+        part = matches[0]
         if part.status>=STARTED: # in experiment (or later) can't restart at this point
             raise ExperimentError( 'already_started_exp' )
     else: