Wearable-Assisted Walking for Cognitive Function and Loneliness in Older Adults (NCT07650292) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Wearable-Assisted Walking for Cognitive Function and Loneliness in Older Adults
Taiwan120 participantsStarted 2026-01-01
Plain-language summary
Participants in the wearable-assisted walking group were asked to walk five days per week for approximately 30 minutes per session at moderate intensity. An Apple Watch was used to monitor daily steps, walking duration, and estimated energy expenditure. Participants also received weekly feedback to support adherence to the walking program. Participants in the usual-care control group were asked to maintain their usual daily activities and not begin any new structured exercise program during the study period.
Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and loneliness was measured using the 8-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The study also explored whether baseline muscle mass and functional mobility were associated with changes in cognitive function and loneliness over time.
Who can participate
Age range
65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Age 65 years or older. Community-dwelling older adults recruited from community-based older adult programs in Taiwan.
Ability to walk independently or with minimal assistance. Willingness to be randomized to either the wearable-assisted walking group or the usual-care control group.
Willingness to wear a wearable device if assigned to the intervention group. Ability to understand the study procedures and complete the cognitive, psychological, and physical assessments.
Provision of written informed consent before enrollment and baseline assessment.
Exclusion Criteria:
Severe cardiovascular disease. Recent fracture or surgery. Severe neurological disorders. Severe cognitive impairment that precluded completion of study assessments. Medical contraindications to moderate-intensity walking. Current enrollment in other structured exercise or rehabilitation programs during the study period.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial used wearable devices to encourage walking and measured changes in cognitive function using something called the Montreal Cognitive Assessment — did participants actually show meaningful improvements in their scores, and would my current cognitive health be relevant to whether that kind of approach might help me?
2Since the trial has already been completed, has the results data been published anywhere, and can you help me understand whether the findings suggest wearable-assisted walking is a worthwhile strategy for someone in my situation?
3The study also looked at loneliness alongside physical activity and cognition — do you think these factors are connected in my case, and is there evidence from this trial that addressing physical activity could also help with social isolation in older adults?
4Are there existing standard-of-care recommendations for using structured walking programs or wearable activity trackers to support cognitive health, and how do the findings from a completed trial like this one compare to what's already available to me without enrolling in research?
5Given that this trial is completed and no longer enrolling, are there similar ongoing studies or programs you could refer me to if you think a wearable-assisted walking approach might be a good fit for my health goals?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Cognitive Function Assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment