Effectiveness of Walking Prescription Using Mobile Health Technology on the Changes in Daily Steps in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: Randomized Controlled Study
Abstract BackgroundWalking is frequently recommended as a beneficial physical activity for older adults, as it can enhance both their physical and mental well-being and help prevent cognitive decline and dementia. While it is known that mobile health (mHealth) technology can h...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JMIR Publications
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | JMIR Aging |
| Online Access: | https://aging.jmir.org/2025/1/e63081 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Abstract
BackgroundWalking is frequently recommended as a beneficial physical activity for older adults, as it can enhance both their physical and mental well-being and help prevent cognitive decline and dementia. While it is known that mobile health (mHealth) technology can help improve physical activity among older adults, there is limited research on its effectiveness for older individuals with cognitive impairment.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of walking prescriptions using mHealth technology for older adults with cognitive impairment.
MethodsIn total, 60 older adults (mean=76.1, SD 5.4) years; female, n=34) with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia (n=28 and n=32, respectively; Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE], mean=20.7, SD 4.0) who visited the memory clinic were enrolled. They were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) group A (n=20) was prescribed with a goal of daily steps based on their telemonitored activity using a smart band; (2) group B (n=19) only wore a smart band without a prescription; and (3) group C (n=21) took a monthly education to encourage their walking. All participants took monthly face-to-face sessions with a coach to check their performance and modify the goal of daily steps. Changes in daily steps (primary outcome), cognitive function, physical status, and depressive symptoms from baseline to post-intervention (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks) were assessed by unblinded researchers. Linear mixed effect models with factors of group (reference: control), time (reference: baseline), and their interaction were used for data analysis. Post hoc analyses using paired t
ResultsFor group A, there was a significant group × time interaction effect on daily steps both at 12 and 24 weeks (β (SE)=2205.88 (672.34), PP
ConclusionsOur findings suggest that walking prescriptions using mHealth technology can effectively increase daily steps in older adults with cognitive impairment. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2561-7605 |