Behavior change program to promote walking among caregivers of Alzheimer's patients

A Behavior Change Technique (BCT) Intervention to Develop a Walking Habit Among Caregivers for Persons With Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (ADRD)

Not applicable Interventional Northwell Health · NCT06803797

This study tests whether sending personalized text messages can help caregivers of Alzheimer's patients walk at least 1,000 steps a day and make it a regular habit.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwell Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Hyde Park, New York)
Trial IDNCT06803797 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This 12-week intervention aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized behavior change technique delivered via text messages to encourage caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias to engage in regular walking. The program focuses on helping caregivers develop a habit of walking at least 1,000 steps per day over a week, utilizing behavior change strategies to promote automaticity in physical activity. The study seeks to determine if this approach can lead to habitual walking in at least 60% of participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are caregivers aged 18 to 85 who provide care for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias and report low levels of physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients who have been advised by a clinician against engaging in physical activity or who lack access to necessary technology will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the physical activity levels and overall well-being of caregivers, enhancing their health and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using behavior change techniques to increase physical activity among caregivers, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Identify as a caregiver (formal/paid or informal/unpaid) for persons with Alzheimer's Disease or Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)
* Age \>=18 and \<=85
* Speak English or Spanish as primary language
* Self-report low levels of physical activity or walking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who self-report having been informed by a clinician it is medically or physically unsafe to engage in a walking intervention
* Does not own or cannot regularly access a smartphone capable of receiving text messages or accessing the internet
* Does not own or have access to an email address
* Lives outside the United States

Where this trial is running

New Hyde Park, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Inactivity, PhysicalcaregiverAlzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer Related Dementiaphysical activitybehavior change techniqueshabit formation
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.