An Evaluation of the Effect of App-Based Exercise Prescription Using RL on Satisfaction and Exercise Intensity: Randomized Crossover Trial.
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 69
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- User Satisfaction with Exercise Sessions (PACES-8 Scale)
研究概览
简要总结
The PERFORM-RL study (Personalised Exercise Prescription for Remote Fitness Using Reinforcement Learning) was a 12-week randomised crossover trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an app-based exercise prescription system powered by reinforcement learning (RL). The study aimed to investigate whether exercise sessions tailored by RL would lead to greater user satisfaction and higher exercise intensity compared to generic, non-personalised exercise sessions.
The trial enrolled 62 participants (27 males, 42 females; mean age 42 years) who were randomly assigned to alternate between two conditions: an RL-driven intervention, which personalised exercise sessions based on user preferences and feedback, and a control condition with non-tailored, generic exercise sessions. Participants were instructed to complete three exercise sessions per week using the i80 BPM app, which offered a variety of video-guided exercises. The RL model customised these sessions based on user feedback, including satisfaction and perceived intensity, with the goal of optimising future sessions.
The primary outcome was user satisfaction, measured via the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-8) after each session. Secondary outcomes included exercise intensity, as assessed by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, and heart rate data collected through a Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 smartwatch.
The trial was conducted in Dublin, Ireland, and approved by the UCD Human Research Ethics Committee (LS-21-34-Tragos-Lawlor). Participants provided informed consent and were blinded to their group allocation. The trial was not registered prospectively, but steps are being taken for retrospective registration.
详细描述
Study Overview The PERFORM-RL study was a 12-week randomised crossover trial conducted to evaluate the impact of app-based personalised exercise prescription on user satisfaction and exercise intensity, using reinforcement learning (RL) as the key mechanism for customisation. This study sought to determine whether RL-generated exercise sessions could improve user satisfaction and increase exercise intensity compared to non-personalised, generic sessions. The findings are expected to contribute to the growing field of digital health interventions, particularly in the area of scalable, app-based exercise programmes designed to enhance user engagement and long-term adherence.
Study Objectives The primary objective of the study was to compare user satisfaction between RL-generated exercise sessions and generic sessions. The hypothesis was that RL-driven personalisation would result in higher user satisfaction, as measured by the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-8). The secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of RL on exercise intensity, as measured by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. It was hypothesised that participants would exercise at a higher intensity in the RL condition due to the tailored nature of the sessions, which aligned with their preferences and fitness levels.
Study Design
This was a randomised, assessor-blinded crossover trial. Each participant completed two different conditions during the 12-week study:
Intervention Condition: Exercise sessions were personalised using a reinforcement learning model that adapted session difficulty and content based on participant preferences, past performance, and feedback.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Crossover
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
盲法说明
In this trial, participants were blinded to their condition (whether they were in the RL intervention or control group) throughout the study. The outcomes assessor, who analysed the data, was also blinded to the participants' condition to reduce potential bias in interpreting the results. Neither the care providers nor the investigators were masked, as they were responsible for managing the intervention and monitoring the trial's progress, ensuring the smooth operation of the app and data collection. No other parties were masked in this trial.
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 65 Years（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Healthy, recreationally active adults aged 18 to 65 years. Able to engage in aerobic activity for a total of 80 minutes at moderate intensity, no more than two times per week.
- •Able to provide informed consent. Ability to read and understand English to engage with the study materials and complete the app-based exercises.
- •Access to a compatible smartphone to download and use the i80 BPM app.
排除标准
- •Individuals with any physical disability or motor impairment that prevents participation in exercise.
- •Individuals with severe cognitive impairment. Individuals unable to read or write in English. Known contraindications to exercise, as identified by the 'Exercise Preparticipation Health Screening Questionnaire for Exercise Professionals'.
- •Participation in another clinical trial or study that could interfere with the trial results.
- •Engaging in high-level or professional athletic training or more than three days of vigorous physical activity per week.
研究组 & 干预措施
Reinforcement Learning (RL) Personalised Exercise Prescription
Participants in this arm received personalised exercise sessions via the i80 BPM app, which utilised a reinforcement learning (RL) model. The RL algorithm adapted exercise parameters (e.g., intensity, type of exercise, duration) based on individual preferences, performance, and feedback to optimise user satisfaction and engagement. Sessions were tailored specifically to each participant over the 12-week trial period.
干预措施: Reinforcement Learning (RL) Personalised Exercise Prescription via i80 BPM App (Device)
Generic Non-Personalised Exercise Prescription
Participants in this arm received generic, non-personalised exercise sessions using the same i80 BPM app. These sessions did not adapt to user preferences or feedback and consisted of pre-designed exercises that were uniform across all participants. This arm served as a control to compare against the RL-personalised intervention.
干预措施: Generic Non-Personalised Exercise Prescription via i80 BPM App (Device)
结局指标
主要结局
User Satisfaction with Exercise Sessions (PACES-8 Scale)
时间窗: At the end of each exercise session during the 12-week study.
User satisfaction was measured using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-8), an abbreviated 8-item version. Participants rated their satisfaction with each exercise session on a scale from 1 (low satisfaction) to 5 (high satisfaction). Higher scores indicate greater enjoyment and overall satisfaction with the exercise experience. The measure was administered after each session.
次要结局
- Exercise Intensity (Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale)(At the end of each exercise session during the 12-week study.)
研究者
Cailbhe Doherty
Assistant Professor
University College Dublin