Smart Olfaction App to Reduce Relapse
An Innovative Digitally-Delivered Olfactory Method for Reducing Cigarette Cravings and Supporting Smoking Cessation
University of Houston
132 participants
Apr 22, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The proposed project aims to refine and test a novel biobehavioral smoking cessation intervention that integrates the strategic application of olfactory stimulation to reduce cigarette craving with an established smartphone-based smoking cessation application. The specific aims of this study are: (1) refine the design and methodology of our olfactory stimulation delivery system (OSDS) and (2) compare, in a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), the effects of a smartphone based app for smoking cessation (Smart-T) with and without the OSDS on smoking cessation outcomes.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria15
- At least 18 years of age
- Ability to read, understand and speak English
- Currently smoke at least 5 cigarettes daily for one year or longer
- Do not currently smoke marijuana or currently smoke marijuana but willing to not smoke during the duration of the study
- Did not use electronic cigarette or vaping device in the past 90 days
- Have an active smartphone that is Apple or Android based
- Have phone service including a data plan
- Interested in downloading the study app onto their personal phone
- Motivated to quit smoking
- English literacy of 7th grade or higher, as indicated by a score of ≥ 4 on the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Short Form (REALM-SF)
- Biochemical verification of smoking status
- Proof of smoking status at enrollment via photo of cigarettes
- Presents a photo ID that matches the information on screener survey
- Willing and able to complete study procedures
- Willing to use NRT and quit smoking for 14 days (Phase I) or willing to use NRT and quit smoking for 13 weeks (Phase II)
Exclusion Criteria9
- Olfactory dysfunction including inability to smell, a very weak or distorted sense of smell, or sensitivity to odors
- Report any allergies or negative reactions to odors/fragranced products
- Being pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant within the next month
- Report hypertension that is not under control
- Have had a heart attack within the past two weeks
- Those who participated in Phase I will not be eligible to participate in Phase II
- Have a smartphone that is not compatible with the Insight mHealth platform
- Report using electronic cigarette or vaping device in the past 90 days
- Cognitive impairment, verified via a score of ≥ 8 on the Six-Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6-CIT)
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Interventions
Participants in this condition will use the novel olfactory stimulation delivery system (Inspire), to smell a specific order designed to assist with smoking cessation for 7 days. Participants will then be instructed to record every urge to smoke and report times when they think they might smoke in the smartphone-based smoking cessation app, Insight™. When urges above 0 are reported, the app will instruct participants to use the Inspire device. On day 8, participants will receive a notification on the smartphone-based smoking cessation app, Insight™, to switch to the Instructed Use condition. Participants will then be instructed to use the Inspire device only when participants report a cigarette craving above 0 at each of the surveys prompted from the smartphone-based smoking cessation app, Insight™.
Participants in this condition will use the novel olfactory stimulation delivery system (Inspire), to smell a specific order designed to assist with smoking cessation for 7 days. Participants will be instructed to use the Inspire device only when participants report a cigarette craving above 0 at each of the surveys prompted from the smartphone-based smoking cessation app, Insight™. On day 8, participants will receive a notification on the smartphone-based smoking cessation app, Insight™, to switch to the Ad Libitum condition. Participants will then control how often they use Inspire and will be instructed to record every urge to smoke and report times when they think they might smoke in the smartphone-based smoking cessation app, Insight™.
Smart-T provides content during the pre-quit and post-quit periods to prepare and support participants during their quit attempts. Smart-T app contains multiple components, including an EMA delivery and data transfer system, automated messages based on EMA responses, and on-demand content. Participants will use Smart-T for 13 weeks. Participants will also use the Inspire device.
Smart-T provides content during the pre-quit and post-quit periods to prepare and support participants during their quit attempts. Smart-T app contains multiple components, including an EMA delivery and data transfer system, automated messages based on EMA responses, and on-demand content. Participants will use Smart-T for 13 weeks.
NRT patches will be provided to assist with cravings and withdrawal symptoms following the quit attempts.
The Inspire Device is a novel olfactory stimulation delivery system. It is a self-contained system with seven sealed chambers, with six gel matrix's that contain a distinct odor and one odorless gel matrix. Participants will press a button on the device to release an odor for participants to smell.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07007195