Virtual assistant–guided home exercise program for older adults
Application of a Virtual Assistant to Enhance Exercise Adherence in Older Adults
NA · University of Valencia · NCT07498530
This project will test whether a virtual assistant can help older adults stick to a 12-week, home-based exercise program.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 59 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Valencia (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Valencia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07498530 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This nonrandomized controlled (quasi-experimental) study compares a virtual assistant–guided home exercise program with an instructor-led municipal program of equivalent dose. The experimental group will complete 60-minute sessions three times per week for 12 weeks guided by a virtual assistant that delivers sessions, reminders, and adherence tracking. The control group will consist of community-dwelling older adults already enrolled in the municipal "Enguera se saludable" program with identical frequency and duration. The primary outcome is exercise adherence (proportion of prescribed sessions completed) and secondary outcomes include muscle strength, balance, functional capacity, health-related quality of life, and user experience/usability of the virtual assistant.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Community-dwelling adults aged 60 or older who can safely complete 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week and either are willing to use a smartphone/tablet for the virtual assistant or are already enrolled in the local municipal program.
Not a fit: People with medical contraindications to exercise, severe cognitive or mobility impairments that prevent safe participation, or those unable or unwilling to use a smartphone or tablet are unlikely to benefit from the virtual assistant program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the virtual assistant could improve adherence to exercise, helping preserve mobility and quality of life while offering a scalable home-based option.
How similar studies have performed: Previous telehealth and digital coaching programs for older adults have shown modest improvements in exercise adherence and function, but fully automated virtual assistants are a relatively new approach with limited high-quality evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 60 years or older. * Community-dwelling individuals capable of participating in an exercise program. * Ability to complete 60-minute exercise sessions, three times per week during the 12-week intervention. * Experimental group (BOT Group): Participants willing to use a smartphone/tablet and interact with the virtual assistant. * Control group (Municipal Exercise Group): Individuals already enrolled in the municipal program Enguera se saludable. * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Medical contraindications to physical exercise, as determined by clinical judgment (e.g., uncontrolled cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic conditions). * Severe cognitive impairment or neurological conditions that limit the ability to follow instructions or safely perform the exercise program. * Severe mobility limitations preventing participation in structured exercise (e.g., inability to walk independently with or without aid). * Acute musculoskeletal injuries or recent surgeries that contraindicate exercise participation. * Individuals currently participating in another structured exercise program that would interfere with the study interventions (other than Enguera se saludable for the control group). * Inability or unwillingness to comply with the requirements of the study (frequency, duration, assessments). * For the BOT group: lack of access to a device compatible with the virtual assistant or inability/unwillingness to use it.
Where this trial is running
Valencia
- Carmen García Gomariz — Valencia, Spain (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: CARMEN GARCÍA GOMARIZ, Phd — UNIVERSITAT DE VALÉNCIA DEPARTAMENTO D'INFERMERIA
- Study coordinator: CARMEN GARCÍA GOMARIZ, Phd
- Email: Carmen.garcia-gomariz@uv.es
- Phone: 963983853
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.
Conditions: Older Adult, Exercise, Adherence, Prevention, New Technologies