Using an NHS walking app to support physical activity in older adults during NHS health-checks: a feasibility study
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN10903632 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10903632 |
| Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS) | 58482 |
| Sponsor | University of Cambridge |
| Funders | NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, School for Public Health Research |
- Submission date
- 17/12/2025
- Registration date
- 22/12/2025
- Last edited
- 22/12/2025
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Overall study status
- Ongoing
- Condition category
- Other
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Older adults are not moving enough, leading to many problems common in older age. Current programs to get older adults moving more do not work long-term. Mobile apps could provide a cheaper alternative that works long-term, and might reach more people than current programs. The NHS runs an app to encourage walking (Active 10) but it is not used in GP clinics and has not been tested to see if it works. The aim of this study is to run a small study to check that a bigger study (testing to see if Active 10 works) will run smoothly.
Who can participate?
Adults aged 55 years and over who do not move enough
What does the study involve?
Half of the adults will be given the NHS Active 10 walking app for 3 months. The other half will be given a leaflet about exercise.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants may become more active and improve their health. They will also help research into preventing health problems that are linked to not being active enough. Other than the time it takes you to complete the questionnaires, there should be very little risk or disadvantage to taking part.
Where is the study run from?
The University of Cambridge (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
February 2026 to August 2027
Who is funding the study?
The study is funded by the NIHR Three Schools Prevention Programme and by the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Dr Dharani Yerrakalva, dy255@cam.ac.uk
Contact information
Principal investigator, Public, Scientific
Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Forvie Site, Robinson Way
Cambridge
CB2 0SR
United Kingdom
 ORCID ID |
0000-0003-1830-5315 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +44 (0)7841713032 |
| dy255@cam.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional | |
|---|---|---|
| Allocation | Randomized controlled trial | |
| Masking | Open (masking not used) | |
| Control | Active | |
| Assignment | Single | |
| Purpose | Prevention | |
| Scientific title | Integrating a digitalised physical activity intervention into routine primary care services: Pilot feasibility study assessing the effectiveness of NHS Active 10 App for inactive older adults in NHS health checks | |
| Study acronym | AGILitY | |
| Study objectives | The primary objectives will be: 1. To determine whether an RCT assessing the effectiveness of Active 10 in adults is feasible e.g. through examining recruitment rates and retention rates. 2. To determine whether an RCT assessing the effectiveness of Active 10 in adults is acceptable e.g. through examining randomisation acceptability, intervention acceptability and fidelity. 3. To help determine sample size for a full RCT by using pilot retention rates and effect sizes for change in the primary outcome (change in MVPA). The secondary objectives are to obtain data for change in secondary outcomes (e.g. sedentary time, HR-QoL outcomes, physical function). | |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 17/12/2025, East of England- Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee (2 Redman Place, London, EC20 1JQ, United Kingdom; +44 (0)207 104 8000; cambsandherts.rec@hra.nhs.uk), ref: 25/EE/0245 | |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Prevention of physical inactivity among older adults | |
| Intervention | The method of randomisation will be block randomisation (allocation ratio 1:1) which will be conducted for each of four strata (age [<70 years and =>70 years] and sex). The intervention group (12 weeks duration) will receive a physical activity prescription and will download Active 10. They will receive emails with progress summaries and advice. The control group will be given a leaflet about exercise. | |
| Intervention type | Mixed | |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
| |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
| |
| Completion date | 02/08/2027 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Mixed |
| Lower age limit | 55 Years |
| Upper age limit | 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 80 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Adults aged ≥55 years 2. Smartphone ownership 3. Can read English 4. Can provide informed consent 5. Inactive (<150 minutes activity/week) 6. Has an email address |
| Key exclusion criteria | Cognitive impairment preventing app usage/walking, physical impairment preventing app usage/walking, already participating in exercise program/exercise app. |
| Date of first enrolment | 02/02/2026 |
| Date of final enrolment | 09/02/2027 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centres
Cambridgeshire Business Park
Angel Drove
Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4EA
Ely
CB74EA
England
5 Station Street
London
E15 1DA
England
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Not expected to be made available |
| IPD sharing plan |
Editorial Notes
18/12/2025: Study's existence confirmed by the HRA.
