Aging, HealthyIMPULSIONNCT07596056
Long-Term Engagement and Motivation Through Innovative Strategies in Adapted Physical Activity
A study testing Group A autonomy arm and classical practice, GROUP B autonomy arm and TEMPA practice and Group C non-autonomy arm and classical practice in people with Aging, Healthy and Aging, run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice at 1 site in France.
Trial summary
Aging is associated with progressive declines in physical, functional, and psychosocial capacities, leading to reduced autonomy, increased risk of falls, chronic diseases, and decreased quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Aging, Healthy, Aging
- What is being tested?
- Group A autonomy arm and classical practice, GROUP B autonomy arm and TEMPA practice and Group C non-autonomy arm and classical practice
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 600 participants
- Where
- 1 siteFrance
- Study dates
- Sep 2026to Sep 2031
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 60 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 60 or older
- Affiliation with, or beneficiary of, a social security system
- No objection to the study
Who cannot join
- Neurocognitive disorder preventing the provision of informed consent (MOCA <18)
- Individuals under legal protection
- Individuals deprived of liberty
- Presence of a physical or cognitive condition preventing participation in the adapted physical activity protocol over 3 months:
- Neurocognitive disorder (MOCA <18)
- Neurodegenerative disease with severe symptoms preventing participation in the protocol
Show all 10Show fewer
- Neuromuscular disease with severe symptoms preventing participation in the protocol
- Severe sensory impairments (blindness or profound deafness)
- Amputation of one or more limbs
- Non-independent mobility
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
France1 site
CHU de Nice - Hopital de Cimiez
Nice
FREDERIC CHORIN, PhD, 0492034924 ext. +33, chorin.f@chu-nice.fr
VIRGINIE PIOVANO, piovano.v@chu-nice.fr
About this study
Official title: IMPULSION: Long-Term Engagement and Motivation Through Innovative Strategies in Adapted Physical Activity
Aging is associated with progressive declines in physical, functional, and psychosocial capacities, leading to reduced autonomy, increased risk of falls, chronic diseases, and decreased quality of life. Physical inactivity is a major aggravating factor, despite strong evidence that regular physical activity helps prevent age-related decline.
Adapted Physical Activity (APA) has demonstrated beneficial effects on physical function, mental health, pain, and healthcare utilization. However, long-term adherence to APA programs among older adults remains low, with fewer than 20% meeting World Health Organization recommendations. Therefore, innovative strategies are needed to improve sustained engagement in physical activity.
Read more
This multicenter, randomized, single-blind interventional study aims to compare the effectiveness of different APA strategies on long-term engagement in physical activity among adults aged 60 years and older.
A total of 600 participants will be randomized into four groups combining two key factors: (1) autonomy-based vs. non-autonomy-based approaches, and (2) classical APA vs. TEMPA-based APA programs. Each intervention consists of a 12-week program including 24 supervised sessions, with some groups incorporating a progressive transition toward autonomous practice.
The primary outcome is long-term physical activity engagement assessed using the QAPPA questionnaire at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.
Secondary outcomes include:
Objective and self-reported physical activity levels (questionnaires and wearable devices) Functional capacities (muscle strength, endurance, gait speed, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness) Motivational and perceptual factors (e.g., enjoyment, fatigue, perceived effort, motivation) Quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) Biological markers (inflammatory, metabolic, metabolomic, and epigenetic profiles) to identify predictors of adherence and physiological response Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio)
Statistical analyses will be conducted using mixed linear models for repeated measures to evaluate time, group, and interaction effects. Additional analyses will include descriptive statistics, group comparisons, longitudinal trends, and economic evaluations.
This study aims to identify effective and sustainable APA strategies to improve long-term physical activity engagement and inform public health policies for older adults.
- Conditions
- Aging, Healthy, Aging
- Being tested
- Group A autonomy arm and classical practice, GROUP B autonomy arm and TEMPA practice, Group C non-autonomy arm and classical practice, Group D non-autonomy arm and TEMPA practice
- Keywords
- Adapted Physical Activity, aging
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Group A autonomy arm and classical practiceOther
All participants in Group A will receive a total of 24 Adapted Physical Activity (APA) sessions delivered by a qualified APA professional over a 15-week period. Two sessions per week will be provided during the first 9 weeks. From week 10 to week 15, only one supervised in-person session per week will be offered, and participants will be asked to complete the second session independently. This transition in session planning is expected to promote more sustainable long-term engagement in physical activity, Each session will consist of a warm-up (approximately 10-15 minutes), a main exercise phase (including endurance, strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination exercises), and a cool-down period. The structure of the sessions will be consistent and will comply with physical activity prescription guidelines for older adults
GROUP B autonomy arm and TEMPA practiceOther
In Group B, sessions will more explicitly incorporate effort minimization strategies (TEMPA), which will be clearly communicated to participants. These strategies include encouraging focus on perceived enjoyment during exercise, allowing participants to choose music, involving participants in leading warm-ups, integrating game-based activities (e.g., dodgeball-type games), strengthening group cohesion and sense of affiliation, and providing individualized feedback on performance during sessions.
To ensure proper implementation, the instructor will receive specific training in the TEMPA theoretical model and its associated adaptations. The instructor will also be required to explicitly communicate the strategies used during sessions. A report documenting the strategies implemented will be completed by the instructor after each session
Group C non-autonomy arm and classical practiceOther
All participants in Group C will receive a total of 24 Adapted Physical Activity (APA) sessions delivered by a qualified APA professional over a 12-week period. Participants will attend two APA sessions per week.
Group D non-autonomy arm and TEMPA practiceOther
In Group D, sessions will more explicitly incorporate effort minimization strategies (TEMPA), which will be clearly communicated to participants. These strategies include encouraging participants to focus on perceived enjoyment during exercise, allowing them to choose music, involving them in leading the warm-up, integrating game-based activities (e.g., dodgeball-type games), strengthening group cohesion and sense of affiliation, and providing individualized feedback on performance during sessions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| group A | Experimental | autonomy arm and classical practice Receives: Other: Group A autonomy arm and classical practice |
| group B | Experimental | autonomy arm and TEMPA practice Receives: Other: GROUP B autonomy arm and TEMPA practice |
| group C | Experimental | non-autonomy arm and classical practice Receives: Other: Group C non-autonomy arm and classical practice |
| group D | Experimental | non-autonomy arm and TEMPA practice Receives: Other: Group D non-autonomy arm and TEMPA practice |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
effectiveness of different Adapted Physical Activity (APA) programs
The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of different Adapted Physical Activity (APA) programs on long-term engagement in physical activity among older adults.
Long-term engagement will be assessed through the level of physical activity, measured using the QAPPA questionnaire The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults (QAPPA) is a tool for measuring the physical activity of people aged 60 and over. It was developed to meet the objective of assessing the level of physical activity of older adults, taking into account their age and health.
Measured: at 12 months
Secondary outcomes (9)
Analyze functional outcomes: strength
Strength: time to complete the Five Sit-to-Stand test
Measured: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
perceptual and motivational factors of engagement
EMAPS questionnaires: The Motivation Scale for Physical Activity for Health Purposes (EMAPS) is a tool that assesses individuals' motivations and engagement in physical activity. It measures intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, based on 7 main constructs: achievement, knowledge and stimulation, external, introjected and identified regulations, and amotivation. The scale includes 28 statements, each measured on a 1 to 7-point scale, thus allowing a precise assessment of participants' motivations.
Measured: at base line and at 3 months
perceptual and motivational factors of engagement
PES questionnaire: The Physical Effort Scale (PES) is a tool designed to measure the approach and avoidance tendencies towards physical effort. It is used to understand the engagement in physical activity. The scale consists of two factors: approach and avoidance, with each factor having a high internal consistency. The PES-FR has been shown to be valid for measuring individual differences in physical effort evaluation and has implications for promoting physical activity.
Measured: at base line and at 3 months
perceptual and motivational factors of engagement
PANES questionnaire: PANES is a 17-item, self-administered questionnaire that assesses environmental factors in physical activity participation, such as neighborhood safety, aesthetic qualities, neighborhood infrastructure, and access to destinations
Measured: at baseline and at 3 months
Analyze functional outcomes: Muscular endurance
Muscular endurance: time to complete the One-Minute Sit-to-Stand test
Measured: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
Analyze functional outcomes: Gait analysis
Gait analysis: walking speed over 10 meters
Measured: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
Analyze functional outcomes: Balance
Balance: stabilometric measurements
Measured: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
Analyze functional outcomes: Body composition
Body composition: bioelectrical impedance analysis
Measured: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
Analyze functional outcomes: Cardiorespiratory endurance
Cardiorespiratory endurance: VO₂ max and Harvard index assessed via the Harvard Step Test
Measured: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 May 2026
- Study startSep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionSep 2031 (estimated)
- Study completionSep 2031 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Aging, HealthyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de NiceThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 600 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07596056
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 25-PP-27
- Acronym
- IMPULSION
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 5 May 2026
- Last updated
- 19 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- IMPULSION: Long-Term Engagement and Motivation Through Innovative Strategies in Adapted Physical Activity
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07596056
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IMPULSION / 25-PP-27
- Conditions
- Aging, Healthy, Aging
- Keywords
- Adapted Physical Activity, aging
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 600 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de NiceUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Sep 2031 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Sep 2031 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Aging is associated with progressive declines in physical, functional, and psychosocial capacities, leading to reduced autonomy, increased risk of falls, chronic diseases, and decreased quality of life. Physical inactivity is a major aggravating factor, despite strong evidence that regular physical activity helps prevent age-related decline.
Adapted Physical Activity (APA) has demonstrated beneficial effects on physical function, mental health, pain, and healthcare utilization. However, long-term adherence to APA programs among older adults remains low, with fewer than 20% meeting World Health Organization recommendations. Therefore, innovative strategies are needed to improve sustained engagement in physical activity.
This multicenter, randomized, single-blind interventional study aims to compare the effectiveness of different APA strategies on long-term engagement in physical activity among adults aged 60 years and older.
A total of 600 participants will be randomized into four groups combining two key factors: (1) autonomy-based vs. non-autonomy-based approaches, and (2) classical APA vs. TEMPA-based APA programs. Each intervention consists of a 12-week program including 24 supervised sessions, with some groups incorporating a progressive transition toward autonomous practice.
The primary outcome is long-term physical activity engagement assessed using the QAPPA questionnaire at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.
Secondary outcomes include:
Objective and self-reported physical activity levels (questionnaires and wearable devices) Functional capacities (muscle strength, endurance, gait speed, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness) Motivational and perceptual factors (e.g., enjoyment, fatigue, perceived effort, motivation) Quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) Biological markers (inflammatory, metabolic, metabolomic, and epigenetic profiles) to identify predictors of adherence and physiological response Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio)
Statistical analyses will be conducted using mixed linear models for repeated measures to evaluate time, group, and interaction effects. Additional analyses will include descriptive statistics, group comparisons, longitudinal trends, and economic evaluations.
This study aims to identify effective and sustainable APA strategies to improve long-term physical activity engagement and inform public health policies for older adults.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| group A | Experimental | Other: Group A autonomy arm and classical practiceautonomy arm and classical practice |
| group B | Experimental | Other: GROUP B autonomy arm and TEMPA practiceautonomy arm and TEMPA practice |
| group C | Experimental | Other: Group C non-autonomy arm and classical practicenon-autonomy arm and classical practice |
| group D | Experimental | Other: Group D non-autonomy arm and TEMPA practicenon-autonomy arm and TEMPA practice |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Age 60 or older
- Affiliation with, or beneficiary of, a social security system
- No objection to the study
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Neurocognitive disorder preventing the provision of informed consent (MOCA <18)
- Individuals under legal protection
- Individuals deprived of liberty
- Presence of a physical or cognitive condition preventing participation in the adapted physical activity protocol over 3 months:
- Neurocognitive disorder (MOCA <18)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Group A autonomy arm and classical practiceAll participants in Group A will receive a total of 24 Adapted Physical Activity (APA) sessions delivered by a qualified APA professional over a 15-week period. Two sessions per week will be provided during the first 9 weeks. From week 10 to week 15, only one supervised in-person session per week will be offered, and participants will be asked to complete the second session independently. This transition in session planning is expected to promote more sustainable long-term engagement in physical activity, Each session will consist of a warm-up (approximately 10-15 minutes), a main exercise phase (including endurance, strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination exercises), and a cool-down period. The structure of the sessions will be consistent and will comply with physical activity prescription guidelines for older adults | Other | group A |
| GROUP B autonomy arm and TEMPA practiceIn Group B, sessions will more explicitly incorporate effort minimization strategies (TEMPA), which will be clearly communicated to participants. These strategies include encouraging focus on perceived enjoyment during exercise, allowing participants to choose music, involving participants in leading warm-ups, integrating game-based activities (e.g., dodgeball-type games), strengthening group cohesion and sense of affiliation, and providing individualized feedback on performance during sessions. To ensure proper implementation, the instructor will receive specific training in the TEMPA theoretical model and its associated adaptations. The instructor will also be required to explicitly communicate the strategies used during sessions. A report documenting the strategies implemented will be completed by the instructor after each session | Other | group B |
| Group C non-autonomy arm and classical practiceAll participants in Group C will receive a total of 24 Adapted Physical Activity (APA) sessions delivered by a qualified APA professional over a 12-week period. Participants will attend two APA sessions per week. | Other | group C |
| Group D non-autonomy arm and TEMPA practiceIn Group D, sessions will more explicitly incorporate effort minimization strategies (TEMPA), which will be clearly communicated to participants. These strategies include encouraging participants to focus on perceived enjoyment during exercise, allowing them to choose music, involving them in leading the warm-up, integrating game-based activities (e.g., dodgeball-type games), strengthening group cohesion and sense of affiliation, and providing individualized feedback on performance during sessions. | Other | group D |
Primary outcome
effectiveness of different Adapted Physical Activity (APA) programs
Time frame: at 12 months
The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of different Adapted Physical Activity (APA) programs on long-term engagement in physical activity among older adults. Long-term engagement will be assessed through the level of physical activity, measured using the QAPPA questionnaire The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults (QAPPA) is a tool for measuring the physical activity of people aged 60 and over. It was developed to meet the objective of assessing the level of physical activity of older adults, taking into account their age and health.
9 secondary outcomes
Analyze functional outcomes: strength
Time frame: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
perceptual and motivational factors of engagement
Time frame: at base line and at 3 months
perceptual and motivational factors of engagement
Time frame: at base line and at 3 months
perceptual and motivational factors of engagement
Time frame: at baseline and at 3 months
Analyze functional outcomes: Muscular endurance
Time frame: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
Analyze functional outcomes: Gait analysis
Time frame: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
Analyze functional outcomes: Balance
Time frame: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
Analyze functional outcomes: Body composition
Time frame: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
Analyze functional outcomes: Cardiorespiratory endurance
Time frame: at 3 months, and 6 months and 12 months
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 May 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Group A autonomy arm and classical practice, GROUP B autonomy arm and TEMPA practice and Group C non-autonomy arm and classical practice in people with Aging, Healthy and Aging, run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice at 1 site in France.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in France. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact FREDERIC CHORIN, PhD (492034924 ext. +33, chorin.f@chu-nice.fr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
effectiveness of different Adapted Physical Activity (APA) programs (time frame: at 12 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 May 2026.