NCT07074613

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

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

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: National Taiwan College of Performing Arts · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 65 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

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.

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

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

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Traditional Treadmill Walking	Participants walked on a traditional treadmill with standard time, speed, and distance tracking, no AR features.
DEVICE	JOHNSON 8.1T treadmill with Passport AR system	Participants walked on an AR-integrated treadmill with immersive virtual environments and real-time feedback.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-12-06
• Primary completion: 2025-01-05
• Completion: 2025-01-05
• First posted: 2025-07-20
• Last updated: 2025-07-20

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Taiwan