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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07074613

Augmented Reality Treadmill Walking for Cognitive and Physical Health in Older Adults

This study evaluated the feasibility and health effects of using augmented reality (AR) treadmill walking in older adults. Sixty community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 80 years were randomly assigned to either an AR treadmill group or a traditional treadmill group. Both groups participated in supervised walking sessions three times per week for twelve weeks. The study examined changes in mobility, balance, body composition, physiological responses, and participants' perceptions of the AR technology.

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Key information

Conditions

Aging Atrophy Balance Impairment Behavior Cognition Disorders Cognitive Decline Cognitive Dysfunction Mental Disorders Mobility Limitation Motor Activity Muscular Atrophy Nervous System Diseases Neurocognitive Disorders Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Sarcopenia Signs and Symptoms

Age range

65 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Fitness Center, National Taiwan College of Performing Arts

Taipei, No. 177, Section 2, Neihu Rd., 244, Taiwan

About this study

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of augmented reality (AR) treadmill walking on mobility-related motor function, body composition, physiological responses, and technology acceptance among older adults. A total of 60 community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 80 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (AR treadmill walking) or a control group (traditional treadmill walking).

Participants in both groups engaged in supervised walking sessions three times per week for twelve weeks. Each session lasted 60 minutes, including a 10-minute warm-up, 40-minute treadmill walking, and a 10-minute cool-down. The AR treadmill (JOHNSON 8.1T) provided immersive visual environments and real-time feedback on physiological data. The control group used a standard treadmill (CHANSON CS-6630) without AR features.

Primary outcome measures included stride length, gait speed, and balance. Secondary outcomes included skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, body fat percentage, heart rate, calorie expenditure, walking distance, and technology acceptance assessed by a validated questionnaire.

Statistical analysis included repeated-measures ANOVA, independent t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis to examine group differences and associations between physiological responses and technology acceptance.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Community-dwelling adults aged 65 to 80 years

Able to walk independently without assistive devices

Cognitively intact and able to follow instructions

No prior use of augmented reality (AR) exercise programs within the past 3 months

Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Diagnosed with chronic conditions that impair mobility (e.g., cardiovascular disease, severe arthritis)

Severe visual or auditory impairments that affect interaction with AR equipment

Neurological or psychiatric disorders that may interfere with participation

Known susceptibility to motion sickness or discomfort with virtual environments (AR-induced discomfort)

Inability to complete the 12-week training protocol or attend scheduled assessments

Treatment and study plan

Traditional Treadmill Walking

Device

Participants walked on a traditional treadmill with standard time, speed, and distance tracking, no AR features.

Other names: CHANSON CS-6630 treadmill

JOHNSON 8.1T treadmill with Passport AR system

Device

Participants walked on an AR-integrated treadmill with immersive virtual environments and real-time feedback.

Primary outcomes

  1. Stride Length

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Average stride length (in centimeters) measured using the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT).

  2. Gait Speed

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Walking speed (in meters per second) assessed during a 30-meter walk test.

  3. Balance (Timed Up and Go Test)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Time taken to complete the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Lower values indicate better balance.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Skeletal Muscle Mass

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 520). Unit: kg.

  2. Body Fat Mass

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 520). Unit: kg.

  3. Body Fat Percentage

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 520). Unit: %.

  4. Heart Rate

    Time frame: During each session (12 weeks)

    Average heart rate monitored during each exercise session using treadmill sensors or wearable device.

  5. Calorie Expenditure

    Time frame: During each session (12 weeks)

    Calories burned per session, tracked by treadmill and validated device.

  6. Distance Walked

    Time frame: During each session (12 weeks)

    Total distance covered per session (in meters or kilometers).

  7. Technology Acceptance

    Time frame: After 12 weeks of intervention

    Measured using a validated questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), including perceived ease of use, usefulness, and behavioral intention.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Taiwan College of Performing Arts

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects of Augmented Reality Treadmill Walking on Cognitive Function, Body Composition, Physiological Responses, and Acceptability in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: ART-Walk

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 20, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 20, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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