Effectiveness of a Smartphone Chatbot to Improve Exercise Adherence in Older Adults
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age59-85
SponsorUniversity of Valencia
About this trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based chatbot in improving adherence to a 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program in community-dwelling older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a chatbot-supported exercise program delivered through Telegram or an equivalent paper-based exercise program. Both groups will perform the same exercise program, including strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises. The primary outcome is exercise adherence. Secondary outcomes include physical function, physical activity, participant satisfaction, usability of the chatbot, and adverse events. The study seeks to determine whether chatbot-based support can enhance adherence and improve health outcomes in older adults.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older.
Living independently in the community.
Ownership and regular use of a smartphone.
Familiarity with at least one instant messaging application and ability to access it at least three times per week.
Disqualifiers
Absolute contraindication to physical exercise.
Inability to understand study instructions.
Inability to read and/or write.
Uncontrolled neurological conditions that may compromise safe participation in exercise.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Chatbot-Supported Home-Based Exercise Program
BehavioralA 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program delivered through a Telegram-based chatbot. The program includes strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises performed three times per week. The chatbot provides exercise prescriptions, instructional videos, automated reminders, adherence monitoring, scheduling adjustments, and feedback to support exercise participation.
Paper-Based Home Exercise Program Mostrar más líneas
BehavioralA 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program delivered in a printed booklet. The program includes strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises performed three times per week with the same content and progression as the experimental intervention. Participants record exercise completion using a paper calendar and do not receive chatbot-based reminders, monitoring, or feedback.
Treatment groups
100 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Chatbot-Supported Exercise ProgramExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Paper-Based Exercise ProgramActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Exercise Adherence
Exercise adherence will be measured as the percentage of the 36 prescribed exercise sessions completed during the 12-week intervention period. Adherence will be calculated from participant exercise records and expressed as a continuous percentage value.
Time frame
12 weeksSecondary outcomes
1
Adherent Participants
Number and proportion of participants completing at least 80% of the prescribed exercise sessions during the intervention period.
Time frame
12 weeks2
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
Physical function assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery. Scores range from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating better physical performance.
Time frame
Baseline and 12 weeks3
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Mobility assessed as the time required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit down.
Time frame
Baseline and 12 weeks4
Physical Activity Level
Physical activity will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly (IPAQ-E). Physical activity is quantified as MET-minutes per week (MET-min/week), calculated from the frequency and duration of walking, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity physical activities performed during the previous week. The questionnaire does not have a predefined minimum or maximum score, as results are reported as a continuous measure of energy expenditure. A practical minimum score is 0 MET-min/week, while no upper limit is defined. Higher scores indicate higher levels of physical activity and therefore a better outcome.
Time frame
Baseline and 12 weeksLocations
Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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