frailty Clinical Trials and Research
Also known as: geriatric frailty, physical frailty, pre-frailty, age-related vulnerability, decline in function, weakness in older adults · ICD-10: R54
Frailty is a medical condition characterized by increased vulnerability to poor health outcomes due to age-related decline in physical and mental function. Clinical trial research aims to understand, prevent, and treat frailty to improve quality of life for older adults. Find a Trial helps patients search for active studies in this area.
Common questions about frailty clinical trials
What are common eligibility criteria for frailty clinical trials?
Eligibility often includes specific age ranges, a diagnosis of frailty or pre-frailty, and certain functional assessments. Exclusion criteria might involve severe co-existing conditions or cognitive impairment, based on data from ClinicalTrials.gov.
What are the different phases of clinical trials for frailty?
Frailty trials progress through phases: Phase 1 tests safety, Phase 2 evaluates effectiveness and side effects, and Phase 3 compares new interventions to standard care. Phase 4 monitors long-term effects after approval, according to ClinicalTrials.gov.
Do clinical trials for frailty cost money to participate in?
Typically, participants do not pay for trial-related medical care or study drugs. Sponsors often cover these costs, and sometimes provide reimbursement for travel or other expenses, as outlined on ClinicalTrials.gov.
What are current research directions in frailty clinical trials?
Current research explores interventions like exercise programs, nutritional supplements, hormone therapies, and medications targeting inflammation or muscle loss. Studies also investigate lifestyle modifications and early detection methods, according to NIH RePORTER and ClinicalTrials.gov.
What types of interventions are being studied for frailty?
Common interventions include resistance and aerobic exercise, protein and vitamin D supplementation, and medications aimed at improving muscle mass or reducing inflammation. Behavioral strategies to promote healthy aging are also explored, based on ClinicalTrials.gov data.
Are there specific biomarkers being studied in frailty research?
Researchers are investigating biomarkers such as inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP), hormones (e.g., vitamin D, testosterone), and indicators of muscle health (e.g., creatine kinase). These help identify frailty and track intervention effectiveness, as seen on NIH RePORTER.
What conditions might exclude someone from a frailty clinical trial?
Common exclusion criteria can include severe heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer, or significant cognitive impairment. These ensure participant safety and the study's focus, as detailed in trial protocols on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How do clinical trials typically measure frailty?
Frailty is often measured using tools like the Fried Frailty Phenotype (e.g., unintentional weight loss, weakness, slow walking speed, exhaustion, low physical activity) or comprehensive geriatric assessments. These help quantify severity and track changes, according to ClinicalTrials.gov.
How to find a frailty trial that fits you
- Describe your frailty situation in detail — stage if applicable, prior treatments, age, and other relevant conditions.
- Use the location filter (worldwide, US, US & Canada, Europe) to narrow to trials near you.
- Review each trial's eligibility criteria carefully. Save 2–5 candidates with their NCT numbers.
- Discuss with your treating clinician before contacting the research site.