Helping older adults with HIV be more active
Optimization of a behavioral intervention to increase physical activity in older adults living with HIV
This project tries different ways to help older adults living with HIV add more walking and daily movement using counseling, goal-setting, and activity trackers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would work with primary care teams to try a program that focuses on lifestyle physical activity, especially walking, rather than supervised exercise sessions. The project tests different intervention pieces—brief clinic counseling, step goals, wearable activity monitors (accelerometers), and remote reminders—to find the most effective combination. Participants wear activity trackers and get regular support aimed at increasing daily steps, while researchers track activity, fitness, and health measures related to aging. The work is run from Butler Hospital in Providence and is designed for older people living with HIV who get care at participating clinics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults living with HIV (for example, age 50 and up) who are currently underactive and receive care at participating primary care sites.
Not a fit: People who already meet physical activity guidelines, have medical limits that prevent increased walking, or cannot use wearable devices are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help older adults with HIV increase everyday activity, which may lower cardiovascular risk, reduce frailty, and improve mood and independence.
How similar studies have performed: Supervised exercise programs for people with HIV have shown health benefits, but lifestyle-based walking programs like this are less tested and represent a relatively new approach for older PLWH.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri) — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uebelacker, Lisa a — Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri)
- Study coordinator: Uebelacker, Lisa a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.