RecruitingACTRN12626000491369

The sedentary behaviour and physical activity patterns of older adults in hospital: A prospective randomised controlled trial using the SENS motion® system

Sponsor

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

Enrollment

122 participants

Start Date

Sep 1, 2025

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Functional decline in hospital patients Falls Sedentary behaviour

Summary

One in two older adults presenting to emergency departments will be admitted to hospital with 41% of all hospital inpatients aged 65 years and over. Hospitalised older adults are at risk of complications such as falls, prolonged hospital admissions and functional decline. Functional decline occurs due to multiple factors including pre-existing frailty combined with periods of sedentary behaviour and reduced activity in hospital. We aim to complete a prospective randomised controlled trial to assess the effect of physical activity measurements with visual feedback (i.e. access to the bedside application for the intervention group) compared to no feedback (control). This project is significant as it will enable us to trial a functional maintenance intervention i.e. using the SENS motion® and the bedside application while considering patient acceptability and clinical utility.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 55 Yearss

Inclusion Criteria2

Adults (>55) who are hospital inpatients and are cognitively compatible (>6 on Abbreviated Mental Test [AMT-10]).
Patients who have a predicted inpatient length of stay of at least 3-5 days. To estimate the physical activity pattern of an adult reliably, at least three days of monitoring is recommended.

Exclusion Criteria4

Patients who are unable to provide informed consent i.e. unable to speak English (if no professional interpreter available) or a diagnosed cognitive impairment (dementia), moderate to severe cognitive impairment, delirium or a psychosis.
Patients who have a visual impairment that restricts them from seeing size 14 font from appx 1 metre away which will impact on engagement with the intervention.
Patients who use a wheelchair as their primary means of ambulation.
Patients who require assistance from two people to mobilise.

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Interventions

The SENS motion® is an accelerometer that measures a participant’s physical activity and provides visual feedback to participants and staff via a bedside application on an iPad. The intervention is delivered from participant enrolment until hospital discharge. Based on usual admissions, this is expected to be a minimum of 2 days, with duration varying according to individual length of stay. The SENS motion® aims to motivate participants’ engagement in rehabilitation by increasing physical activity through gamification and education on the effects of sedentary behaviour. Gamification and education include visual feedback on the number of steps taken. Steps and activity are encouraged through an iPad-based game, whereby steps achieved result in virtual travel between well-known landmarks. Participants are encouraged to engage with the iPad regularly throughout the day. There is no limit on game time or number of steps achieved. The iPad with visual feedback is available during daytime hours (08:00–20:00). Adherence is monitored through daily checks of iPad use and a follow-up participant survey regarding use and perceived benefit. The SENS motion® is to be used on the dominant leg. If the participant does not have a dominant leg, the SENS motion® is to be applied on the right leg. If a patient has a wound or injury to their dominant leg, then the SENS motion® can be place on their alternative leg. The SENS motion® is to be placed on the outer side of the thigh above the patient’s knee and the round part of the sensor should aim down towards the knee. The SENS motion® is attached using a patch.