Using an NHS walking app to support physical activity in older adults during NHS health-checks: a feasibility study
This small study aims to see if a bigger study about an NHS walking app, called Active 10, can run smoothly. The main goal is to help adults aged 55 and over who don't get enough physical activity. Being active is very important for health, especially as we get older, and current ways to help people be more active don't always work in the long run. In this study, some people will use the Active 10 app for three months, while others will receive a leaflet with exercise information. The researchers want to find out if using a phone app could be a more affordable and lasting way to encourage physical activity. The study hopes to gather important information for future research into preventing health problems linked to not being active enough.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many older adults don't move around as much as they should, and this can lead to several common health problems as they get older. While there are programmes to help people be more active, they often don't work for a long time. Researchers are looking for new ways to help people stay active, and phone apps could be a good solution. They might be cheaper and could reach more people.
The NHS has a free phone app called Active 10, which encourages people to walk more. However, it's not currently used by GPs during routine health checks, and we don't know yet if it truly helps people become more active in a study setting. This particular study is a 'feasibility study'. This means it's a small, early study designed to check if a much larger study (which would properly test the Active 10 app) could actually work well.
In simple terms, this study is like a practice run to make sure everything is in place for a bigger, more important study later on. It will help the researchers understand if it's practical to use the Active 10 app within an NHS setting and gather important clues about whether it might help people to be more physically active. They are hoping to find a better, more lasting way to encourage physical activity and improve health for people aged 55 and over.
Key takeaways
- A small study looking at an NHS walking app to help older adults be more active.
- Aims to prepare for a larger study to test the app's effectiveness.
- Involves adults aged 55 and over who are not very active.
- Participants will either use the Active 10 app or receive an exercise leaflet.
- Could help improve health and inform future ways to prevent inactivity.
- Participation involves using a smartphone app (for some) and answering questionnaires.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 55 years and older. You would need to own a smartphone and be able to read English, as the study involves using a phone app and understanding instructions. It's also important that you can give your agreement to take part after understanding what the study involves.
The study is specifically for people who are not very active, meaning they do less than 150 minutes of physical activity each week. You also need to have an email address to participate. They are looking for people who want to become more active.
You would not be able to join if you have memory problems that would make it hard to use a phone app or walk safely. Similarly, if you have a physical condition that stops you from using a phone or walking, this study might not be right for you. Also, if you are already regularly taking part in an exercise program or using another exercise app, you wouldn't be eligible.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 55 years old or older?
- Do you own a smartphone and use email?
- Can you read and understand English?
- Do you currently do less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week?
- Do you not have problems that stop you from walking or using a phone app?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will be given the NHS Active 10 walking app to use on your smartphone for a period of three months. The other group will be given a leaflet that provides information and advice about exercise. The study will run from February 2026 to August 2027, but your personal involvement will be for a shorter period, mainly involving the three months with the app or leaflet and completing some questionnaires. The study is run from the University of Cambridge.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care BoardCity onlyEly, England
- NHS North East London IcbCity onlyLondon, England
Common questions
What is the NHS Active 10 app?
It's a free smartphone app from the NHS designed to help you track your walking and encourage you to do at least 10 minutes of brisk walking each day.
What does being 'inactive' mean in this study?
It means you do less than 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) of physical activity, like brisk walking, per week.
Will I have to pay for anything?
No, you will not have to pay for anything to take part in this study.
What happens after the study ends?
The information gathered will help researchers plan a larger study to find better ways to help older adults stay active.
Who is funding this research?
The study is funded by the NIHR Three Schools Prevention Programme and the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre in the UK.
How to find out more
Dharani Yerrakalva
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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