Expert Validation of an Autonomous Personalized Physical Activity Algorithm (APPA e-Delphi)

March 14, 2026 updated by: Maria Pereira Gomes, Polytechnic Institute of Porto

Validation of a Personalized Physical Activity Algorithm Via Modified e-Delphi (InnovaMotion Project)

This study aims to validate a personalized physical activity algorithm for risk screening and individualized exercise prescription using a modified online Delphi process. International experts in physical activity and exercise will evaluate the algorithm's components over two rounds of questionnaires, with consensus defined as ≥70% agreement. If needed, a focus group will resolve any remaining disagreements. Validation of this algorithm may support safer, more effective autonomous exercise, promoting adherence, improved health outcomes, and population-level benefits.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Detailed Description

Study Phases - eDelphi Validation of the APPA Algorithm

Phase 1 - Round 1 (Initial Online Questionnaire):

The first phase consists of an online survey in which international experts in physical activity and exercise will evaluate the components of the personalized physical activity algorithm for health risk screening and individualized exercise prescription. Experts will assess the relevance, clarity, and clinical appropriateness of each item. Feedback from this round will identify items requiring modification or clarification.

Phase 2 - Round 2 (Re-evaluation):

The second phase consists of a consecutive online survey round, in which experts will re-evaluate the revised algorithm components based on feedback from Round 1. Experts will have the opportunity to adjust their ratings. This phase aims to move items closer to consensus (≥70% agreement).

Phase 3 - Optional Focus Group (if needed):

If consensus is not reached on specific items after Round 2, an online focus group will be conducted to discuss and resolve remaining disagreements. This discussion will help refine the algorithm and ensure agreement on all components.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

9

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

  • Name: Maria P Gomes, Masters student
  • Phone Number: +351 222 061 000
  • Email: mapg@ess.ipp.pt

Study Locations

  • Portugal
      • Porto, Portugal, 4200-072
        • Recruiting
        • School of Health - Polytechnic Institute of Porto
        • Contact:
          • Andreia SP Sousa
          • Phone Number: +351 222 061 000
          • Email: asp@ess.ipp.pt

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of international experts in the field of Physical Activity and Exercise. Participants will be identified based on their recognized scientific or professional experience and possession of a relevant doctoral degree. Recruitment will be primarily via institutional email invitations, supplemented by personal contacts when needed. Eligible experts will voluntarily participate in two rounds of an online modified Delphi questionnaire and, if required, an online focus group to resolve any remaining disagreements. The targeted panel size is 9 - 18 experts to ensure representativeness and methodological robustness.

Description

Inclusion Criteria

  • Experts in Physical Activity and Exercise with recognized scientific or professional experience and a relevant doctoral degree.
  • Availability to complete two rounds of the online modified Delphi questionnaire.
  • Willingness to participate in an online focus group if consensus is not reached.
  • Ability and willingness to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Individuals unable to provide informed consent.
  • Individuals without access to a computer, smartphone, tablet, or other internet-enabled device necessary to complete the online survey.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Expert Panel
Cohort of experts in physical activity and exercise with recognized scientific or professional experience and a relevant doctoral degree. Experts will validate a digital algorithm for health risk screening and individualized physical activity prescription via a modified online Delphi process. Two rounds of anonymous questionnaires will assess the relevance, clarity, and clinical appropriateness of algorithm components. If consensus (≥70% agreement) is not reached, a follow-up online focus group will resolve disagreements. Recruitment will be through institutional emails and professional networks. Participation is voluntary, with informed consent obtained. Panel size: 9-18 experts, consistent with Delphi methodology to ensure representativeness and robustness.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Expert consensus on algorithm components
Time Frame: Up to 2 months
Consensus defined as ≥70% agreement among experts using a 9-point Likert scale in a two-round modified Delphi process evaluating the relevance and clarity of algorithm items.
Up to 2 months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Polytechnic Institute of Porto

Collaborators

Center for Rehabilitation Research - Polytechnic Institute of Porto (IPP)

Investigators

  • Study Director: Andreia SP Sousa, Center for Rehabilitation Research
  • Study Director: António M Montes, Center for Rehabilitation Research
  • Study Director: Anabela C Martins, H&TR-Health & Technology Research Center, Coimbra Health School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

March 10, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

May 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

December 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

March 12, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 12, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

March 16, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 17, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 14, 2026

Last Verified

March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • CE0073F
  • 02/C06-i03.03/2021.PID-15 (Other Grant/Funding Number: InnovHealth Scholarships, funded by the Impulso Jovens STEAM Programme within the Resilient P.PORTO Programme)
  • UID/05210/2025 (Other Grant/Funding Number: Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT))

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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