Four-week digital program to increase physical activity
Official title: Digitally-Delivered Intervention to Prompt Physical Activity
Run by Auburn University · NCT07130734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether a four-week mobile app program that prompts daily physical activity can increase activity levels and reduce depressive symptoms in adults with at least moderate depression.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Auburn University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Auburn, Alabama) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2027 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07130734 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 19–40 who speak English, have a PHQ-8 score of 10 or higher, are physically inactive (<150 min/week moderate-to-vigorous activity), are eligible for activity, not pregnant, and own an Apple or Android smartphone.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are already physically active, lack a compatible smartphone, are pregnant, have mobility limitations that prevent activity, or have low depressive symptoms are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with moderate or greater depressive symptoms who are currently physically inactive will be monitored for one week and then randomly assigned, using stratification by baseline depressive symptoms and activity, to either a four-week digital physical activity intervention or a passive waitlist control. The intervention uses the Pathverse mobile app to send daily push notifications and lets participants choose about five enjoyable activities to do, reporting duration and intensity. Participants complete four laboratory visits total (two before and two after the intervention) for assessments and monitoring. The control group has symptoms monitored for four weeks and is offered the intervention afterward.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a convenient, scalable app-based way to increase physical activity and reduce depressive symptoms in young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows physical activity can reduce depressive symptoms and some digital exercise-promoting interventions have produced modest benefits, but effects vary and short four-week prompting programs remain relatively under-studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 19 and 40 years * Verbally fluent in English (i.e., must be able to speak or understand English) * No uncorrected visual or hearing impairment * Moderate depressive symptoms or greater of at least 10 or higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 screening instrument * Eligible to participate in physical activity * Physically inactive (i.e., engaging in less than 150 min of weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) * Owns an Apple or Android mobile device, willing to download the Pathverse app , and willing to keep the device on during the study period * Not currently pregnant Exclusion Criteria: \- Participants will not qualify for the current study if they do not meet the above inclusion criteria.
Where it's running
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Kinesiology Building
Auburn, Alabama, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christopher J Brush, Ph.D.
- Email: cjbrush@auburn.edu
- Phone: 334-844-4483
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.