Using robots to help older adults become more physically active
Retraining Automatic Attitudes Towards Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Adults 60 Years of Age or Older
This study is testing whether using robots can help older adults become more active by changing their automatic thoughts about physical activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06843161 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the global issue of physical inactivity among older adults by utilizing a robotic intervention designed to retrain automatic biases that affect physical activity behaviors. The approach combines cognitive bias modification tasks with robotic technology to encourage participants to engage in more active lifestyles. By focusing on the automatic processes that influence behavior, the study seeks to bridge the gap between intention and action in physical activity. Participants will be trained using a specific task that encourages movement and engagement, with the goal of improving their overall physical activity levels.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 60 and above who are able to walk and communicate in English.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed neurological or psychiatric disorders, impaired motor function of the upper limbs, or those unable to understand task instructions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the physical activity levels of older adults, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies using cognitive bias modification for various behaviors, this specific robotic approach to enhance physical activity in older adults is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 60 years of age or older * Able to walk * Able to communicate in English * Able to travel to the University of Ottawa Lees Campus Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed neurological or psychiatric disorder * Impaired motor function of the upper limbs * Unable to understand task instructions
Where this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario
- Faculty of Health Sciences — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kayne Park, PhD — University of Ottawa
- Study coordinator: Kayne Park, PhD
- Email: apark2@uottawa.ca
- Phone: 613-305-3310
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.