Apr 04: A new research initiative led by Jason Fanning, Associate Professor of Health & Exercise Science at Wake Forest University, is redefining how physical activity is approached for older adults—shifting the focus from traditional “exercise” to consistent movement throughout the day.
Backed by $5.7 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health, the five-year study—titled A Mobile Health Intervention to Reduce Pain and Improve Health (MORPH)—aims to help older adults with osteoarthritis better understand how daily movement patterns can influence pain and overall health.
Rather than emphasizing structured workouts, the MORPH program promotes “movement medicine”—encouraging individuals to stay active throughout the day through simple, accessible activities such as walking, stretching, or engaging in daily routines.
“Many people feel intimidated by the word ‘exercise,’” said Fanning. “We want to shift the conversation to movement—something that feels natural, enjoyable, and sustainable in everyday life.”
Rethinking Physical Activity
Fanning’s research challenges the long-standing focus on discrete exercise routines, which often lead individuals to compensate by being sedentary for the rest of the day. This phenomenon, referred to as the “active couch potato,” can worsen chronic pain, reduce mobility, and negatively impact overall health.
Instead, the study highlights the benefits of frequent, low-intensity movement spread across the day, which may help:
- Reduce joint stiffness and chronic pain
- Improve blood sugar regulation
- Encourage healthier lifestyle habits
- Increase long-term adherence to physical activity
Inside the MORPH Study
The MORPH program is designed to be fully remote, making it accessible to older adults nationwide. Participants aged 65 and above receive wearable sensors and mobile applications to track activity and pain patterns. They also take part in weekly group video sessions focused on physical activity, nutrition, and pain management.
The study emphasizes personalized insights, helping participants understand how their movement habits directly impact their pain levels and encouraging sustainable behavior changes.
“We’re teaching people to integrate movement into their lives in a way that sticks,” Fanning explained. “It’s not about a single workout—it’s about building a healthy, active lifestyle.”
Balancing Fitness Trends
While emerging trends like Zone Zero promote low-intensity activity, Fanning cautions against viewing them as quick fixes. Instead, he advocates for a balanced approach that includes movement across varying intensity levels.
“We’ve known for centuries that we need to move more and move more often,” he said. “The key is finding activities that people enjoy and can maintain over time.”
A New Approach to Health
The concept of “movement medicine” treats physical activity like a personalized prescription—tailored to individual needs, preferences, and lifestyles. By focusing on enjoyment and intrinsic motivation, the approach aims to improve long-term adherence and overall well-being.
The MORPH study is currently recruiting participants aged 65 and older with osteoarthritis. Participation is free, and all study activities are conducted online.
