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

NCT07074613 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: 114-86IRB No. 114-86
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Aging; Cognitive Decline; Sarcopenia; Mobility Limitation; Balance Impairment

Keywords

Augmented Reality; Treadmill Walking; Older Adults; Cognitive Function; Body Composition; Balance Training; Sarcopenia Intervention; Technology Acceptance; Physical Activity; Gait Rehabilitation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Stride Length

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

  Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

• Gait Speed

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

  Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

• Balance (Timed Up and Go Test)

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

  Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Skeletal Muscle Mass

  Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

• Body Fat Mass

  Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

• Body Fat Percentage

  Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

• Heart Rate

  During each session (12 weeks)

• Calorie Expenditure

  During each session (12 weeks)

Study Arms (2)

Experimental: Augmented Reality Treadmill Walking

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group performed treadmill walking using the JOHNSON 8.1T treadmill with Passport AR system. The device provided immersive visual environments (e.g., forest trails, hills) and real-time feedback on heart rate, speed, and distance. Each participant completed supervised walking sessions 3 times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes (10-minute warm-up, 40-minute walking, 10-minute cool-down).

Device: JOHNSON 8.1T treadmill with Passport AR system

Active Comparator: Traditional Treadmill Walking

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group performed treadmill walking using the CHANSON CS-6630 treadmill, which provided standard speed, time, and distance tracking without augmented reality features. Each participant completed supervised walking sessions 3 times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes (10-minute warm-up, 40-minute walking, 10-minute cool-down).

Device: Traditional Treadmill Walking

Interventions

Traditional Treadmill Walking DEVICE

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

Also known as: CHANSON CS-6630 treadmill

Active Comparator: Traditional Treadmill Walking

JOHNSON 8.1T treadmill with Passport AR system DEVICE

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

Experimental: Augmented Reality Treadmill Walking

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years - 80 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Taiwan College of Performing Arts: lead

Study Sites (1)

Fitness Center, National Taiwan College of Performing Arts

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

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cognitive Dysfunction; Sarcopenia; Mobility Limitation; Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cognition Disorders; Neurocognitive Disorders; Mental Disorders; Muscular Atrophy; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Atrophy; Pathological Conditions, Anatomical; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: No masking was used in this study. Due to the nature of the intervention (visible augmented reality equipment), participants, investigators, and outcome assessors were aware of group assignments.
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor, Office of Physical Education

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an experimental group that received augmented reality treadmill walking training and a control group that received traditional treadmill walking training. Both groups participated in the same frequency and duration of exercise (3 sessions per week for 12 weeks), allowing direct comparison of intervention effects on cognitive function, body composition, and physiological responses.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 26, 2025
• First Posted: July 20, 2025
• Study Start: December 6, 2024
• Primary Completion: January 5, 2025
• Study Completion: January 5, 2025
• Last Updated: July 20, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TW (1)