Using smartwatches to promote exercise in older adults

Feasibility and Acceptability of Incorporating Fitbit Smartwatches Into a Health System Referral Based Exercise is Medicine Program in Older Individuals (EIM+)

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University · NCT06287255

This study tests if using smartwatches can help older adults exercise more and improve their health and quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06287255 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating smartwatches into an Exercise is Medicine program for individuals aged 65 and older. The program aims to enhance physical activity levels among older adults to prevent and manage chronic diseases. Participants will be monitored using smart technology to track their exercise habits and health outcomes. The study seeks to determine how effectively this integration can improve health and quality of life in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are English-speaking individuals aged 65 and older who have no healthcare provider-imposed limitations on physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients with recent cardiovascular events or significant health issues that limit physical activity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance physical activity levels and overall health in older adults, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology to promote physical activity among older adults, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 65+
* No healthcare provider-imposed limitations on physical activity
* English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease (CAD) or congestive heart failure (CHF) (i.e. chest pain, dizziness, syncope, excessive dyspnea on exertion)
* Myocardial infarction within the last 12 months
* Revascularization within the last 12 months
* Stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) within the past 12 months
* Unstable angina
* Congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II, III or IV)
* Ventricular arrhythmia
* Clinically significant cardiac valve disease
* Blood pressure \>160/100 mmHg
* Uncontrolled seizure disorder
* Major surgery within the past three months
* Severe or frequent hypoglycemia
* Inability to independently manage blood glucose during activity
* Severe autonomic or peripheral neuropathy
* Active foot ulcers
* Unstable retinopathy.

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

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 Physical InactivityObesity
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.