Changes in cognitive function among older adults aged 60-79 without dementia following use of the mHealth app "Vitality Wellness Program": a prospective single-group intervention trial.

Increasing physical activity is important for reducing the risk of developing dementia. The Vitality Wellness Program (Vitality), an mHealth app designed to increase physical activity through rewards, has been shown to increase users' average step counts; however, its impact on health-related outcomes remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week Vitality program on cognitive function among older adults. A total of 467 older adults aged 60-79, who lived or worked in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and owned a smartphone were recruited for this study. Participants underwent cognitive function testing prior to the intervention, followed by a 12-week intervention period during which they had unrestricted access to Vitality, and then underwent post-intervention cognitive function testing. Cognitive function, the primary outcome, was assessed using the Cogstate Brief Battery, with concentration and memory scores calculated; the number of rewards (up to 12) earned was also recorded as a secondary measure. The analysis included 314 older adults (mean age 67.6±4.9 years; 126 men) who completed pre- and post-intervention assessments. Following app use, significant improvements were observed in both concentration and memory scores (both P<0.001). However, no significant association was found between the number of rewards earned (7.3±4.2) and changes in cognitive function (Δconcentration score: P=0.32; Δmemory score: P=0.20). In conclusion, participation in Vitality contributed to improvements in cognitive function among older adults; however, these improvements could not be explained by rewards earned through the app.