Exercise AdherenceEXEBOTNCT07832097
Effectiveness of a Smartphone Chatbot to Improve Exercise Adherence in Older Adults
A study testing Chatbot-Supported Home-Based Exercise Program and Paper-Based Home Exercise Program Mostrar más líneas in people with Exercise Adherence and Healthy Aging, run by University of Valencia.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based chatbot in improving adherence to a 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program in community-dwelling older adults. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 59 to 85 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Exercise Adherence, Healthy Aging
- What is being tested?
- Chatbot-Supported Home-Based Exercise Program and Paper-Based Home Exercise Program Mostrar más líneas
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 14 Dec 2026to 30 Jan 2027
- 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 59 to 85 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older.
- Living independently in the community.
- Ownership and regular use of a smartphone.
- Familiarity with at least one instant messaging application and ability to access it at least three times per week.
- Ability to understand study procedures and instructions.
- Ability to provide written informed consent.
- Ability to safely perform a home-based exercise program.
Who cannot join
- Absolute contraindication to physical exercise.
- Inability to understand study instructions.
- Inability to read and/or write.
- Uncontrolled neurological conditions that may compromise safe participation in exercise.
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions that may compromise safe participation in exercise.
- Any medical condition judged by the investigators to prevent safe participation in the study.
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of a Smartphone-Based Chatbot on Adherence to a Home-Based Multicomponent Exercise Program and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based chatbot in improving adherence to a 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program in community-dwelling older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a chatbot-supported exercise program delivered through Telegram or an equivalent paper-based exercise program. Both groups will perform the same exercise program, including strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises. The primary outcome is exercise adherence. Secondary outcomes include physical function, physical activity, participant satisfaction, usability of the chatbot, and adverse events. The study seeks to determine whether chatbot-based support can enhance adherence and improve health outcomes in older adults.
Read the detailed description
Population aging is associated with declines in physical function, mobility, and independence. Home-based multicomponent exercise programs are effective strategies to maintain physical function and reduce the risk of disability in older adults; however, adherence to exercise programs remains a major challenge, particularly when exercises are performed without direct supervision. Effectiveness of a Smartphone-Based Chatbot on Adherence to a Home-Based Multicomponent Exercise Program and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial addresses this challenge by evaluating a digital intervention specifically designed to support exercise adherence.
This study is a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted in community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older. Participants are randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either a chatbot-supported exercise program or a paper-based exercise program. Both groups receive the same 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program, consisting of three exercise sessions per week. The intervention includes strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises with a predefined progression throughout the program.
Participants assigned to the intervention group receive exercise prescriptions through a Telegram-based chatbot. In addition to delivering the exercise program, the chatbot provides instructional videos, automated reminders, exercise monitoring, adherence tracking, scheduling adjustments, and feedback based on participants' reported exercise completion. Participants allocated to the control group receive the same exercise program in a printed booklet together with a paper calendar for recording completed sessions. Both groups receive standardized follow-up telephone calls during the intervention period.
The primary outcome is exercise adherence, defined as the percentage of prescribed exercise sessions completed during the 12-week intervention. Participants are also classified according to whether they achieve at least 80% adherence to the prescribed sessions. Secondary outcomes include physical function assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 4-meter walking test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Additional outcomes include physical activity measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults (IPAQ-E), participant satisfaction, perceived usability of the chatbot, and adverse events.
The study will provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of chatbot-supported exercise interventions for promoting adherence to home-based exercise programs among older adults. If effective, this approach may represent a scalable and accessible strategy to support healthy aging and the implementation of exercise programs in community settings.
- Conditions
- Exercise Adherence, Healthy Aging
- Being tested
- Chatbot-Supported Home-Based Exercise Program, Paper-Based Home Exercise Program Mostrar más líneas
- Keywords
- Older Adults, Exercise Adherence, Home-Based Exercise, Physical Function, Chatbot, Digital Health
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Chatbot-Supported Home-Based Exercise ProgramBehavioural
Also called Telegram-Based Exercise Chatbot
A 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program delivered through a Telegram-based chatbot. The program includes strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises performed three times per week. The chatbot provides exercise prescriptions, instructional videos, automated reminders, adherence monitoring, scheduling adjustments, and feedback to support exercise participation.
Paper-Based Home Exercise Program Mostrar más líneasBehavioural
A 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program delivered in a printed booklet. The program includes strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises performed three times per week with the same content and progression as the experimental intervention. Participants record exercise completion using a paper calendar and do not receive chatbot-based reminders, monitoring, or feedback.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Chatbot-Supported Exercise Program | Experimental | Participants will receive a 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program delivered through a Telegram-based chatbot. The program includes three exercise sessions per week consisting of strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises with a predefined progression. The chatbot provides exercise prescriptions, instructional videos, reminders, monitoring of exercise completion, scheduling adjustments, and automated feedback to support adherence. Receives: Behavioral: Chatbot-Supported Home-Based Exercise Program |
| Paper-Based Exercise Program | Active comparator | Participants will receive a 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program in a printed booklet. The program includes three exercise sessions per week consisting of strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises with a predefined progression. Participants will also receive a paper calendar to record exercise completion. No chatbot-based reminders, monitoring, or automated feedback will be provided. Participants will receive the same exercise content, dosage, and progression as the experimental group. Receives: Behavioral: Paper-Based Home Exercise Program Mostrar más líneas |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Exercise Adherence
Exercise adherence will be measured as the percentage of the 36 prescribed exercise sessions completed during the 12-week intervention period. Adherence will be calculated from participant exercise records and expressed as a continuous percentage value.
Measured: 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (6)
Adherent Participants
Number and proportion of participants completing at least 80% of the prescribed exercise sessions during the intervention period.
Measured: 12 weeks
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
Physical function assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery. Scores range from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating better physical performance.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Mobility assessed as the time required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit down.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Physical Activity Level
Physical activity will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly (IPAQ-E). Physical activity is quantified as MET-minutes per week (MET-min/week), calculated from the frequency and duration of walking, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity physical activities performed during the previous week. The questionnaire does not have a predefined minimum or maximum score, as results are reported as a continuous measure of energy expenditure. A practical minimum score is 0 MET-min/week, while no upper limit is defined. Higher scores indicate higher levels of physical activity and therefore a better outcome.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Participant Satisfaction
Participant satisfaction with the intervention will be assessed using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). The CSQ-8 consists of 8 items, each scored on a 4-point Likert scale. Total scores range from 8 to 32 points, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction with the intervention and therefore a better outcome.
Measured: 12 weeks
Chatbot Usability
Perceived usability of the chatbot will be assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS). The SUS is a 10-item questionnaire with responses scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better perceived usability of the chatbot and therefore a better outcome. This outcome will be assessed only in participants allocated to the chatbot intervention group.
Measured: 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Sep 2026
- Study start14 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Exercise AdherenceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of ValenciaThe 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of two parallel groups: a chatbot-supported home-based multicomponent exercise program or an equivalent paper-based home-based multicomponent exercise program. Both groups will receive the same exercise content and progression over a 12-week intervention period, differing only in the mode of delivery and adherence-support strategies. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Valencia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, CARMEN GARCÍA GOMARIZ, University of Valencia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07832097
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BOT_01
- Acronym
- EXEBOT
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 15 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of a Smartphone-Based Chatbot on Adherence to a Home-Based Multicomponent Exercise Program and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07832097
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EXEBOT / BOT_01
- Conditions
- Exercise Adherence, Healthy Aging
- Keywords
- Older Adults, Exercise Adherence, Home-Based Exercise, Physical Function, Chatbot, Digital Health
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of ValenciaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 14 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 21 Sep 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.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based chatbot in improving adherence to a 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program in community-dwelling older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a chatbot-supported exercise program delivered through Telegram or an equivalent paper-based exercise program. Both groups will perform the same exercise program, including strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises. The primary outcome is exercise adherence. Secondary outcomes include physical function, physical activity, participant satisfaction, usability of the chatbot, and adverse events. The study seeks to determine whether chatbot-based support can enhance adherence and improve health outcomes in older adults.
Detailed description
Population aging is associated with declines in physical function, mobility, and independence. Home-based multicomponent exercise programs are effective strategies to maintain physical function and reduce the risk of disability in older adults; however, adherence to exercise programs remains a major challenge, particularly when exercises are performed without direct supervision. Effectiveness of a Smartphone-Based Chatbot on Adherence to a Home-Based Multicomponent Exercise Program and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial addresses this challenge by evaluating a digital intervention specifically designed to support exercise adherence.
This study is a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted in community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older. Participants are randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either a chatbot-supported exercise program or a paper-based exercise program. Both groups receive the same 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program, consisting of three exercise sessions per week. The intervention includes strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises with a predefined progression throughout the program.
Participants assigned to the intervention group receive exercise prescriptions through a Telegram-based chatbot. In addition to delivering the exercise program, the chatbot provides instructional videos, automated reminders, exercise monitoring, adherence tracking, scheduling adjustments, and feedback based on participants' reported exercise completion. Participants allocated to the control group receive the same exercise program in a printed booklet together with a paper calendar for recording completed sessions. Both groups receive standardized follow-up telephone calls during the intervention period.
The primary outcome is exercise adherence, defined as the percentage of prescribed exercise sessions completed during the 12-week intervention. Participants are also classified according to whether they achieve at least 80% adherence to the prescribed sessions. Secondary outcomes include physical function assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 4-meter walking test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Additional outcomes include physical activity measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults (IPAQ-E), participant satisfaction, perceived usability of the chatbot, and adverse events.
The study will provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of chatbot-supported exercise interventions for promoting adherence to home-based exercise programs among older adults. If effective, this approach may represent a scalable and accessible strategy to support healthy aging and the implementation of exercise programs in community settings.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of two parallel groups: a chatbot-supported home-based multicomponent exercise program or an equivalent paper-based home-based multicomponent exercise program. Both groups will receive the same exercise content and progression over a 12-week intervention period, differing only in the mode of delivery and adherence-support strategies. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and immediately after completion of the intervention
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Chatbot-Supported Exercise Program | Experimental | Behavioral: Chatbot-Supported Home-Based Exercise ProgramParticipants will receive a 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program delivered through a Telegram-based chatbot. The program includes three exercise sessions per week consisting of strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises with a predefined progression. The chatbot provides exercise prescriptions, instructional videos, reminders, monitoring of exercise completion, scheduling adjustments, and automated feedback to support adherence. |
| Paper-Based Exercise Program | Active comparator | Behavioral: Paper-Based Home Exercise Program Mostrar más líneasParticipants will receive a 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program in a printed booklet. The program includes three exercise sessions per week consisting of strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises with a predefined progression. Participants will also receive a paper calendar to record exercise completion. No chatbot-based reminders, monitoring, or automated feedback will be provided. Participants will receive the same exercise content, dosage, and progression as the experimental group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 59 to 85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older.
- Living independently in the community.
- Ownership and regular use of a smartphone.
- Familiarity with at least one instant messaging application and ability to access it at least three times per week.
- Ability to understand study procedures and instructions.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Absolute contraindication to physical exercise.
- Inability to understand study instructions.
- Inability to read and/or write.
- Uncontrolled neurological conditions that may compromise safe participation in exercise.
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions that may compromise safe participation in exercise.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Chatbot-Supported Home-Based Exercise ProgramAlso: Telegram-Based Exercise ChatbotA 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program delivered through a Telegram-based chatbot. The program includes strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises performed three times per week. The chatbot provides exercise prescriptions, instructional videos, automated reminders, adherence monitoring, scheduling adjustments, and feedback to support exercise participation. | Behavioural | Chatbot-Supported Exercise Program |
| Paper-Based Home Exercise Program Mostrar más líneasA 12-week home-based multicomponent exercise program delivered in a printed booklet. The program includes strength, balance, flexibility, and walking exercises performed three times per week with the same content and progression as the experimental intervention. Participants record exercise completion using a paper calendar and do not receive chatbot-based reminders, monitoring, or feedback. | Behavioural | Paper-Based Exercise Program |
Primary outcome
Exercise Adherence
Time frame: 12 weeks
Exercise adherence will be measured as the percentage of the 36 prescribed exercise sessions completed during the 12-week intervention period. Adherence will be calculated from participant exercise records and expressed as a continuous percentage value.
6 secondary outcomes
Adherent Participants
Time frame: 12 weeks
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Physical Activity Level
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Participant Satisfaction
Time frame: 12 weeks
Chatbot Usability
Time frame: 12 weeks
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 2 Nov 2026.
Related trials for Exercise Adherence
Not yet recruiting
Testing a Smartphone App to Support a Mediterranean Diet and Strength Exercise
Treatment Adherence and Compliance, Resistance Exercise
Recruiting
Hybrid mHealth and Telerehabilitation vs Conventional Physiotherapy for Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Recruiting
Dance-Based Exercise Versus Clinical Pilates in Women With Overweight or Obesity
Overweight, Obesity
Active, not recruiting
REACT - Resistance Exercise After Cancer Treatment
Cancer
Not yet recruiting
Wearable Device Guided Exercise for Patients on Total Knee Arthroplasty Wait-list
Knee Osteoarthristis
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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Chatbot-Supported Home-Based Exercise Program and Paper-Based Home Exercise Program Mostrar más líneas in people with Exercise Adherence and Healthy Aging, run by University of Valencia.
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 7 inclusion and 6 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 2 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Exercise Adherence (time frame: 12 weeks). 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 2 Nov 2026.