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mHEALTH-FACILITATED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TOWARD HEALTH (mPATH)

Our research team is studying how mobile technology and personalized exercise can help improve sleep, memory, and physical health in older adults.

Although empirical research suggests that physical activity interventions benefit cognition and sleep in older adults in general, the possible benefit of physical activity is understudied in low-income older adults. The study aims to test the immediate and sustaining efficacy of an mHealth-facilitated Physical Activity Toward Health (mPATH) intervention on cognitive function and sleep in low-income older adults.

Timeline:
Study Start date: May 30, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
May 31, 2028

Study Description

Many older adults with limited income face challenges that can lead to more sleep problems, memory concerns, and fewer opportunities to stay physically active or socially engaged. Given that physical activity is known to improve sleep quality and cognitive health in this population, addressing these socioeconomic barriers will be essential for enhancing overall well-being. Wearable devices and mobile health (mHealth) tools are becoming more widely available and offer a promising way to deliver personalized physical activity programs at home. These tools help older adults stay active on their own schedule and overcome common barriers like transportation or cost. However, we still don’t know how well these mHealth-facilitated physical activity programs work for people with fewer financial resources.

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to test the effects of a home-based program called mPATH (mHealth-facilitated Physical Activity Toward Health) on sleep and cognitive health in older adults with limited income. The mPATH program participants will have activities like that of at-home personal training; home-based, video-guided workouts; biweekly phone check-ins with a health coach for 6 months, supported by wearable devices-enabled mHealth strategies, and ongoing technology support for mHealth devices for up to a year. In contrast, the alternative group will engage in self-selected, enriching social activities organized by the research team over a six-month period.

Participants

We invite adults aged 65 and older with sleep difficulties who meet specific income eligibility criteria to join us in this collaborative research study. If eligible, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: mPATH group or Social Activity group. Your total participation in the study will be about 12 to 13 months. The active part of the program for both groups will last for 6 months. We will ask you to complete assessments at the start of the study, at 6 months, and at 12 months to see how things may change over time.