The Neuroscape Center at the University of California, San Francisco’s Department of Neurology invites you to join an online study. This study looks at whether there is a connection between how the brain works and body signals that can be measured by a smartwatch. We also want to understand whether using apps and digital tools developed by our lab may affect brain function and physical responses. These programs combine a game-like experience with research-based design. No background or prior experience is required, beyond basic familiarity with a tablet or computer.
This study is hosted on our online remote research trial training platform and database, Nexus, and will take place entirely from your home. If you choose to participate, you will be provided a smartwatch and a tablet and complete the following over the course of a year (50 weeks).
We are currently enrolling those 40 – 89 years old.
Participation Requirements
The duration of this study is: 1 year
- For the duration of the 1 year long study, you will be asked to wear a smartwatch.
- Baseline Phase: 10 weeks, 30 min per week. During the first 10 weeks of the study, you will be asked to complete watch-based tasks and tablet based cognitive assessments and surveys. These activities will occur once per week and will last approximately 30 minutes per session.
- Intervention Phase: 12 weeks, 17 hours total. During the following 12 weeks, you will complete 25-45 minutes of tablet-based video games, 3 days a week for up to 12 weeks for a total of 1000 minutes of game play.
- Waiting Period Phase: 8 weeks, 30 min per week. You will complete the same tasks as the Baseline phase. These activities will occur once per week and will last 30 minutes per session.
- Booster Phase: 12 weeks, 30 min per week. You will complete 30 minutes of game play, just like the Intervention Phase. However, this will be done only 1 day per week for up to 12 weeks for a total of 360 minutes of game play.
- Follow-Up Phase: 8 weeks, 30 min per week. You will complete the same tasks as the Baseline phase. These activities will occur once per week and will last 30 minutes per session.
| Phase | Week # | Time Commitment | Assigned Tasks |
| Baseline | 1-10 | ~30 min per week | Wear smartwatch daily/nightly. Engage in activities 1 day per week. Over 10 weeks, complete 18 surveys and 4 cognitive assessment apps. |
| Intervention | 11-22 | ~90 min per week | Wear smartwatch daily/nightly. Engage with intervention apps 3 days per week. |
| Waiting Period | 23-30 | ~30 min per week | Wear smartwatch daily/nightly. Engage in activities 1 day per week. Over 8 weeks, complete 16 surveys and 4 cognitive assessment apps. |
| Booster | 31-42 | ~30 min per week | Wear smartwatch daily/nightly. Engage with intervention apps 1 day per week. |
| Follow-Up | 43-50 | ~30 min per week | Wear smartwatch daily/nightly. Engage in activities 1 day per week. Over 8 weeks, complete 18 surveys and 4 cognitive assessment apps. |
Compensation
You will not be paid for taking part in this study. If you complete all study procedures, you will be allowed to keep both the smartwatch and tablet used for study participation as your own property.
Prorated Payment for Non-Completion:
If you do not complete all assigned tasks in the study, you will receive a progress-based payment as reimbursement for the time you have spent in the study as follows:
- $0 for baseline outcome assessments and up to five training sessions or for wearing the watch < 50% of the Baseline phase (i.e., < 5 of the 10 weeks).
- $50 Amazon electronic gift card for completing six or more training sessions and wore the watch at least 50% of the time, but not all study tasks completed.
- $100 Amazon electronic gift card for completing all assigned activities through the Waiting Period phase and wore the watch at least 50% of that time, but did not complete all study tasks.
If you do not complete all study tasks, the UCSF-provided watch and tablet will be locked and you will receive prorated payment for your portion of participation after you return the devices to UCSF Neuroscape using a provided shipping label.
Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible to participate if:
- You are between 40 – 89 years old
- You are fluent in English
- You have normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
- You have daily access to an internet connection
- You are medically healthy
- You have a valid US government issue ID
- You currently reside in the United States
You are ineligible if:
- You have a cardiac implantable electronic device, including pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or cardiac resynchronization therapy device
- Within the last year, you regularly (once per week or more) practiced meditation
- Within the last year, you regularly (once per week or more) played a musical instrument
How to Join
First Step: Register for Nexus
- Join Nexus, our research trial training platform and database
- Click this link. You will be directed to Nexus in a web browser: https://nexus.ucsf.edu/register/neuroscape?participant_group=tahda
- Review the study information and click “Join”
- Enter the required information (select “Log In” if you already have an account). Please use an email and password you will remember – you will use these credentials to log in in the future.
- Check your email for a message from “Nexus Team” called “Verify your email.” If you don’t see it, look in your junk or spam folder. Open the message, choose “Open in Nexus,” and click “Complete.”
- Return to the Nexus website and log in using the same credentials
Next Steps: Begin Study Participation
- Complete the Consent Survey in Nexus
- Complete the Eligibility Survey in Nexus
- If you are found to be eligible, please complete the surveys in your account by their listed due dates. Additional surveys will become available each week.
Please note, you will not begin using the smartwatch or tablet until a few weeks into participation. Begin on a personal computer and/or other electronic device with internet access.
FAQs
Can I use my own devices (apple watch, fit bit, iPad, tablet) to complete the study?
No, you must use the provided tablet and watch, but you’re welcome to continue wearing your own watch or smartwatch as well.
I will be traveling – can I still participate?
Yes! You can bring the devices with you and/or pause participation. If you pause participation, please make up the tasks you missed as soon as possible after your return. (Tasks will remain open for 2 weeks.) If your trip will be over 10 days, please email us so we can extend your task deadlines.
If your trip will be over a month, this study is probably not the right fit for you.
How long is the study?
50 weeks, with new tasks opening every week.
What is the expected weekly time commitment for participation?
You can expect to spend about 30 to 90 minutes per week. Plan for about 30 minutes per week during the baseline, waiting, booster, and follow up phases, and up to 90 minutes during the intervention phase.
Can my family and/or friends participate?
Yes! We welcome anyone interested between the ages of 40 and 89.
Can I receive compensation in a different form?
Compensation for this study is provided in the form of the Samsung tablet and smartwatch (approximately $600 value), which you may keep upon completing the study. If the study is not completed, the devices must be returned.
Participants who partially complete the study may receive prorated compensation of up to $100, depending on their level of participation.
What should I do if I'm having trouble joining the study or launching tasks?
If you’re having trouble joining the study or launching tasks from a computer, try using a different browser.