Slow-SPEED UK: A Double-Blind Randomised Feasibility Trial
This study, called Slow-SPEED UK, is for adults aged 40 and over who have a reduced sense of smell and aren't very active. We want to see if a digital program, using a smartphone app and a fitness tracker, can help people increase their daily steps. Participants will use the app and a Fitbit Charge 6. Half will aim for a big increase in steps, and the other half a small increase. We're checking if the program is easy to use, if people stick to it, and if it's safe, not whether it cures smell loss. The study lasts 18 months, and nobody (including the researchers) will know which group you're in until it’s finished.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The Slow-SPEED UK study focuses on finding new ways to help people get more active. We know that being physically active is good for our health, but sometimes it can be hard to get started or stick with it. This study is specifically for adults over 40 who have a reduced sense of smell (this is called hyposmia) and are not very active.
We're using a smartphone app called Slow-SPEED and a fitness tracker (Fitbit Charge 6) to deliver a personalised activity plan. The main goal of this study isn't to test if exercise improves your sense of smell, but rather to see if this digital program is practical, easy for people to use, and if they find it acceptable. We also want to understand if people stick to the program over time, and if it's safe. You'll be part of a group where half aim for a bigger increase in daily steps and the other half aim for a smaller increase. This helps us understand how different levels of support work. Neither you nor the study team will know which group you're in until the study ends. This helps keep the study fair and unbiased. The findings from this research will help us design even better support programs in the future.
Key takeaways
- Targets adults over 40 with reduced sense of smell and low activity.
- Uses a smartphone app and Fitbit to encourage more walking.
- Aims to check if the program is practical, acceptable, and safe.
- Study lasts 18 months; you won't know your activity group until the end.
- Could help you become more physically active.
- Free Fitbit and app provided if you take part.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be aged 40 or over and have a reduced sense of smell, which will be confirmed with a special test. You also need to be able to understand and speak English well enough to take part and attend study appointments.
You should also have a smartphone that works with the study app and a way to access the internet. A key part of the study is about being active, so to qualify, you'll need to be someone who doesn't currently walk more than 7,000 steps on average per day. You also need to be living independently in your own home. Unfortunately, you can't join if you have certain health conditions like Parkinson's disease or dementia, or if you're taking medicines known to affect your sense of smell. You also can't be in another clinical study or be unable to give your consent to take part.
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 40 years old or older?
- Do you have a reduced sense of smell?
- Do you usually walk less than 7,000 steps per day?
- Do you have a smartphone that is not too old (Android 9+ or iOS 15+)?
- Do you live independently and can attend appointments?
- Are you able to read and speak English well enough for the study?
What does participation involve?
If you join the Slow-SPEED UK study, you'll first have some checks to make sure the study is right for you, including a smell test. You'll then wear a Fitbit Charge 6 for about 4 weeks to measure your usual daily steps. If you meet the activity levels, you'll then officially start the study.
You'll be given a Fitbit Charge 6 and access to the Slow-SPEED smartphone app. For 18 months, the app will give you personalised weekly goals to increase your step count. You'll use the app and Fitbit daily to track your progress. You will have three appointments: one in-person at the start, one by phone/video call after 9 months, and a final in-person visit after 18 months. During these visits, there may be questionnaires or other assessments.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Viktoria AzoidouVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
Will this study cure my smell loss?
No, this study is not designed to improve your sense of smell. It focuses on seeing how well a digital program helps people increase their physical activity.
Do I have to pay for the app or Fitbit?
No, if you're accepted into the study, you'll be provided with both the Slow-SPEED app and the Fitbit Charge 6 for free.
What happens if I already walk a lot?
To be eligible, you usually need to walk less than 7,000 steps per day on average before starting the program. This is because the study aims to help people who are less active.
Will I know if I'm getting a big or small step increase target?
No, neither you nor the researchers will know whether you're aiming for a large or small increase in steps until the study is over. Your goals will be shown as percentages.
What if I don't have a very new smartphone?
Your smartphone needs to meet certain requirements to work with the app (e.g., iPhone 15 or newer, or Android 9 or newer). Some older phone models may not be compatible.
How to find out more
Viktoria Azoidou, PhD, MSc, BSc
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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