Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Structured Self-Talk and Wearable-Assisted Walking for Physical Activity and Function in Older Adults
Sponsor: CHENG-EN WU
Summary
The goal of this randomized clinical trial was to examine whether adding structured self-talk to wearable-assisted walking could support physical activity and physical function in community-dwelling older adults. The study also examined whether wearable-assisted walking provided benefits compared with a walking program without wearable feedback. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups for 12 weeks: (1) wearable-assisted walking combined with structured self-talk, (2) wearable-assisted walking without structured self-talk, or (3) a walking-only active control condition. All groups followed the same moderate-intensity walking schedule. The main questions were whether wearable-assisted walking was associated with better physical activity and functional performance than walking alone, and whether adding structured self-talk provided additional benefits beyond wearable-assisted walking. Physical activity, functional performance, and other protocol-specified health-related measures were assessed before and after the intervention.
Official title: Effects of Integrating Self-Talk Strategies With Wearable Technology on Physical Activity, Functional Performance, and Psychological Determinants in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
65 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-03-15
Completion Date
2026-06-30
Last Updated
2026-08-17
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Moderate-Intensity Walking Program
Participants performed moderate-intensity walking three times per week for 30 minutes per session over 12 weeks. Exercise intensity was prescribed at a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 11-13. This standardized walking program was provided to participants in all three study groups.
Wearable Activity Device
A wrist-worn wearable activity device was used to provide real-time step feedback and haptic vibration alerts during the 12-week walking intervention. The device was used as a behavioral feedback tool to support walking participation. Data from the intervention wearable device were not used as the research outcome measure.
Structured Self-Talk Training
Participants received weekly structured self-talk training throughout the 12-week intervention. The training was delivered by trained instructors and progressed through four stages: awareness, acquisition, regulation, and maintenance. Participants were taught to use structured motivational and instructional self-talk during walking and in response to wearable-generated feedback. Standardized scripts and fidelity checklists were used to support consistent intervention delivery.
Locations (1)
Senior Community Activity Center
Taipei, 臺灣省, Taiwan