Using robots to help older adults become more physically active
Official title: Retraining Automatic Attitudes Towards Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Adults 60 Years of Age or Older
Run by University of Ottawa · NCT06843161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether using robots can help older adults become more active by changing their automatic thoughts about physical activity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | March 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06843161 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 60 and above who are able to walk and communicate in English.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.