Using smartwatches to assess health-related physical fitness levels

Health-Related Physical Fitness Level from Smartwatches

Observational Kansas State University · NCT06805422

This study is testing if smartwatches can help everyday people check their fitness levels in areas like endurance and strength without needing expensive equipment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorKansas State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Manhattan, Kansas)
Trial IDNCT06805422 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate health-related physical fitness (HRPF) levels using data collected from smartwatches. It focuses on five domains of HRPF: cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. The study seeks to provide a cost-effective and non-intrusive method for estimating fitness levels, which traditionally require specialized equipment and trained personnel. By leveraging wearable technology, the research intends to make fitness assessments more accessible to the general population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 20-60 who are either aerobically trained, strength trained, or have high flexibility.

Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 20-60 or those who do not engage in regular physical activity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable individuals to monitor their fitness levels conveniently, leading to improved health outcomes and better adherence to exercise programs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using wearable technology for fitness assessments, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Group 1 (Aerobically Trained)

* 20-60 years old
* actively training or competing over the past 2 years
* 3 or more days of vigorous activity accumulating approximately least 1500 MET min/week or 7 days of any combination of walking, moderate, or vigorous intense activities achieving a minimum of 3000 MET min/week

Group 2 (Strength trained)

* 20-60 years old
* actively training or competing over the past 2 years
* 3 or more days of muscle-strengthening exercise at an intensity of approximately 5 out of 10

Group 3 (Not actively training)

* 20-60 years old
* actively training or competing over the past 2 years
* 3 or more days of muscle-strengthening exercise at an intensity of approximately 5 out of 10

Group 5 (High flexibility)

* 20-60 years old
* Sit-and-reach performance is categorized as "very good" or excellent based on the American College of Sports Medicine's sit-and-reach evaluation criteria (Table 4.16 of ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription 9th edition).

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion criteria are the same for all groups.

* History of cardiovascular disease (Cardiac, peripheral vascular, or cerebrovascular disease)
* History of stable or unstable angina
* History of cardiac dysrhythmias causing symptoms or hemodynamic consequences
* History of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
* History of cardiac valvular disease (e.g., aortic stenosis)
* History of pulmonary disease (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, interstitial lung disease, or cystic fibrosis)
* History of pulmonary embolus
* History of suspected or known aneurysm
* History of metabolic disease (Diabetes mellitus (type I or II), thyroid disorders, renal or liver disease
* History of renal disease
* History of neuromotor, musculoskeletal, or rheumatoid disorders that are exacerbated by exercise
* Current acute systemic infection, accompanied by fever and body aches.
* Pain or discomfort in the chest, neck, jaw, arms, or other areas that may be due to myocardial ischemia (lack of adequate circulation)
* Shortness of breath at rest, during daily activities, or with mild exertion
* Dizziness or syncope (fainting)
* Orthopnea (breathing discomfort when not in an upright position) or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (interrupted breathing at night)
* Ankle edema (swelling)
* Palpitations (abnormal rapid beating of the heart) or tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
* Intermittent claudication (cramping pain and weakness in legs, especially calves, during walking due to inadequate blood supply to muscles)
* Known heart murmur (atypical heart sound indicating a structural or functional abnormality)
* Unusual or unexplained fatigue
* Severe arterial hypertension (i.e., systolic blood pressure of \>200 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure of \>110 mm Hg) at rest.

Where this trial is running

Manhattan, Kansas

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 Exercise CapacityFlexibilityStrength and Endurance
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.