Exercise snacking: a new way to boost health in older adults?
NCT ID NCT07335068
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 27, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study compares two exercise programs for adults aged 65 and older living in residential care. One group does short, frequent 'exercise snacks' twice a day, while the other does longer, structured sessions a few times a week. Over 12 weeks, researchers will measure changes in physical fitness, thinking ability, chronic pain, and mood. The goal is to see if the simpler, more flexible approach works just as well.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- exercise snacking (short, frequent bouts of gentle exercise)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a practical, easy-to-follow exercise option for older adults in care homes to improve physical fitness, thinking skills, and chronic pain.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 75 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The benefits of exercise snacking may be no better than traditional exercise.
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
-
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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About 75 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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 * Residence in Associação Casapiana de Solidariedade Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment (MMSE 0-10) * Unstable medical conditions (e.g., decompensated heart failure) * Refusal of consent * Total inability to walk/move.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Associação Casapiana de Solidariedade
Lisbon, 1500-661, Portugal
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