The impact of artificial intelligence-assisted physical exercise on the health of older adults

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
As people get older, elderly women often face health problems like knee osteoarthritis (a condition that causes knee pain and stiffness) and trouble with balance. Traditional ways to help with these issues, such as in-person exercise classes or general health advice, can have problems: people might not stick with them, they can be expensive, or they don’t fit everyone’s needs.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology, like smart apps that guide exercise, could be a new way to solve these problems. This study aims to:
1. Create an AI-based Baduanjin (a gentle, traditional Chinese exercise) program for elderly women
2. Test if this AI program, in-person Baduanjin classes, or just health education works better to improve elderly women’s balance and knee function
3. Find out which of these three methods is best for women living in cities, suburbs, or rural areas.

Who can participate?
Women aged 60 to 74 years old can join if they:
1. Are in general good health (no serious heart, lung, or other diseases that make exercise unsafe);
Have a clear mind (no problems like dementia)
2. Can move without major restrictions (no severe joint pain or recent injuries/surgeries that stop them from exercising)
3. Do not have serious mental health issues, drug/alcohol addictions, or need to stay in bed for a long time

What does the study involve?
First, researchers will check your health to make sure you’re eligible, and you’ll sign a form saying you agree to take part. Then you’ll be randomly put into one of three groups (like flipping a coin to choose fairly):
AI group: You’ll use a phone app called “Tiantian Baduanjin” (part of the Migu Game+ platform) to do Baduanjin. The app uses your phone’s camera to check your movements, gives you real-time feedback (like telling you if your posture is wrong), and scores how well you do each exercise.
Offline group: You’ll attend in-person Baduanjin classes led by a professional instructor. The instructor will correct your movements and make sure you exercise safely (only 6 people per class to get enough attention).
Education group: You’ll get general health advice but no Baduanjin guidance.
All groups will take part for 12 weeks, doing 3 sessions a week, each lasting 45 minutes (including warm-up and cool-down). During the study, researchers will check your balance (by asking you to stand on one leg with eyes open/closed) and knee function (by asking you to fill out a survey about knee pain and stiffness) at the start, 6 weeks in, and after 12 weeks.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
You may improve your balance (which can lower your risk of falling) and reduce knee pain/stiffness.
You’ll learn a gentle exercise (Baduanjin) that you can keep doing after the study.
You’ll get useful health information.
There is a small risk of mild muscle soreness from exercising (like with any new physical activity).
No serious side effects were reported in similar studies, and researchers will monitor your safety throughout.

Where is the study run from?
The study is run in Jiaozuo City, Henan Province, China. Participants are recruited from community centers, senior activity centers, and medical institutions in Jiaozuo, and knee function assessments are done at Jiaozuo Maternal and Child Hospital.

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
March 2025 to November 2025

Who is funding the study?
Investigator initiated and funded

Who is the main contact?
Dr Wen Qi, qiwen123456789@126.com

Contact information

Study information

Eligibility

Locations

Countries of recruitment

• China

Study participating centre

Results and Publications

Editorial Notes

07/11/2025: Study's existence confirmed by the Jiaozuo Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Medical Ethics Management Committee.