A Study to Increase Physical Activity in Hospitalized Medical Patients Using Digital Feedback and Nudging

What this Trial Is About

Sedentary behavior among medical inpatients is linked to hospital-associated functional decline, threatening patients functional ability and independence. This multicenter study aims to assess the impact of a digital intervention designed to reduce sedentary time and increase physical activity among medical inpatients. The trial will include 400 patients from multiple hospitals across Copenhagen, Aalborg, Trshavn, and Nuuk and focuses on evaluating physical activity through digital feedback and nudging. Participants will be randomly assigned in a stepped-wedge cluster design to either standard care with measurement of physical activity using accelerometers or to an intervention group receiving digital feedback and nudging aimed at patients and healthcare staff. This feedback is based on the patients physical activity levels and seeks to encourage more movement during their hospital stay. The intervention period will last up to 7 days for each participant. During the study, participants physical activity will be continuously monitored using accelerometers to measure daily average activity time. Data will be collected from the time of enrollment until the end of their participation, not exceeding 7 days. Researchers will track adherence to the intervention and measure the primary outcome of daily average physical activity minutes. Safety and medical suitability for participation will be reviewed by medical staff prior to inclusion.

Increasing Physical Activity Among Medical Inpatients by Digital Nudging of Patients and Staff