Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 60 and up

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 typeInterventional
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Ottawa
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ottawa, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 1, 2025
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2025
Study endsSeptember 30, 2025
Registry record updatedMarch 4, 2025
Trial IDNCT06843161 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

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.