Walking with a smartwatch may sharpen aging minds and ease loneliness
NCT ID NCT07650292
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a 12-week walking program, supported by an Apple Watch and weekly feedback, can improve cognitive function and reduce loneliness in adults aged 65 and older. Participants walk five days a week for 30 minutes at moderate intensity. Researchers measure changes in thinking skills and feelings of social connection over three months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Wearable-assisted walking program
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this simple walking program could offer a low-cost way to help older adults maintain brain health and feel less isolated.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 120 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The program requires consistent effort, and benefits may be modest.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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120 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Finished
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May 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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65 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Taiwan College of Performing Arts
New Taipei City, 251301, Taiwan