Group movement classes to help veterans in community living centers keep their independence

Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise in Community Living Centers (PLIE-CLC)

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS AFFAIRS MED CTR SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11421139

This project trains VA care staff to lead gentle group movement sessions that help veterans with dementia stay active, connected, and better able to do daily tasks.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVETERANS AFFAIRS MED CTR SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11421139 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If I live in a VA Community Living Center with dementia, staff would be trained to lead a program called PLIÉ that uses simple group movements, music, and social interaction to support memory and daily functioning. The team will adapt PLIÉ for the nursing-home setting and develop remote training so staff can learn the program without traveling. They will pilot the training at participating CLCs and watch how residents respond over time. Researchers will collect information on daily skills, behavior, mood, and quality of life and study what helps staff keep the program going.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans living in VA Community Living Centers who have dementia and can participate in seated or standing group movement activities.

Not a fit: People who are medically unstable, unable to join group activities due to severe behavioral symptoms or advanced physical frailty, or who do not reside in a VA CLC may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help residents maintain daily skills, reduce dementia-related behaviors, and improve mood and social engagement.

How similar studies have performed: Previous PLIÉ programs have shown promise for improving function and engagement in people with dementia, but adapting and scaling it for VA Community Living Centers is a new step.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Brain Diseases, Brain Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.