Enhancing the physical activity levels of frail older adults with a wearable activity tracker‐based exercise intervention: A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial

A wearable activity tracker (WAT) incorporated with behavioral change techniques (BCTs) increases physical activity in younger adults; however, its effectiveness with frail older adults is unknown. The feasibility and preliminary effects of a WAT‐based exercise intervention to increase physical activity levels in frail older adults was investigated in this pilot study involving 40 community‐dwelling frail older adults. The experimental group received a 14‐week WAT‐based group exercise intervention and a 3‐month follow‐up, while the control group only received similar physical training and all BCTs. The recruitment rate was 93%, and the average attendance rate was 85.2% and 82.2% in the WAT and control groups, respectively, establishing feasibility. Adherence to wearing the WAT was 94.2% and 92% during the intervention and follow‐up periods, respec-tively. A significant interaction effect between time and group was found in all physical assess-ments, possibly lasting for 3 months post‐intervention. However, no significant difference between groups was observed in any daily activity level by the ActiGraph measurement. The majority of the WAT group’s ActiGraph measurements reverted to baseline levels at the 1‐month follow‐up. Thus, the WAT‐based exercise program has potential for employment among community‐dwelling frail older adults, but sustaining the effects after the intervention remains a major challenge.