Development and Evaluation of A Game-Based Mobile App for Increasing Physical Activity in Autistic Adults

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Autism Spectrum Disorder

In brief

The clinical study aims to develop and test a gamified mobile health app called PuzzleWalk (PW) to promote physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behavior (SB) in autistic adults, including those with mild intellectual disabilities (ID). The study addresses the need for tailored interventions in this population, who are at higher risk for lifestyle-related chronic health conditions due to lower PA and higher SB. The upgraded version of PuzzleWalk integrates behavior change techniques and gamification strategies, such as translating step counts into puzzle game playtime, to encourage regular PA and reduce SB. The study will evaluate the app's effectiveness on preventive health behavior changes in real-world settings. The ultimate goal is to create an effective, sustainable, and scientifically validated mobile health tool to improve the health and well-being of autistic adults.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06566131

Run by

University of Delaware

People needed

70

Starts

2024-08-29

Expected to finish

2025-07-02

Last updated by the study team

2025-07-30

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 55. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• adults aged 18 to 55 years
• individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disroder by a medical professional or self-identify as neurodivergent
• individuals who have regular access to a supported smartphone (iOS 13+ operating system)

You may not qualify if…

• individuals with a moderate-to-profound intellectual disability
• individuals with orthopedic conditions that significantly interfere with independent ambulation (e.g., using a wheelchair or crutches)

Where it is running

• Carpenter Sports Building — Newark, Delaware, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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