Improving Movement After Hospital Stay with Games and Coaching

A Randomized Trial of Gamification and Coaching to Improve Mobility after Hospitalization

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11127498

This project helps older and middle-aged adults with chronic conditions move more after leaving the hospital using fun games and personalized coaching.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11127498 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many adults experience difficulty moving after a hospital stay, which can lead to a loss of independence and increased healthcare needs. This project aims to help people regain their physical activity levels using a new approach that combines engaging games with support from a virtual health coach. The goal is to encourage more movement and reduce the risk of long-term disability. We hope this will help patients maintain their independence and improve their overall health after discharge.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older and middle-aged adults (age 21+) who have recently been hospitalized for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or mild-to-moderate heart failure and are at risk for mobility issues.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have mobility challenges after hospitalization or those without the specified chronic conditions may not directly benefit from this particular intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help patients maintain their independence, reduce disability, and improve their overall health after leaving the hospital.

How similar studies have performed: A previous pilot project successfully used gamification and social support to increase physical activity in adults after hospitalization.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.