Identifying physical function indicators to predict health outcomes in older adults with multiple health issues

Functional Biomarkers for Prediction of Hospitalization, Long-Term Care Placement, and Mortality in Older Adults with Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity

NIH-funded research Mgh Institute of Health Professions · NIH-10359920

This study is looking at how walking speed and hand strength can help predict hospital visits, nursing home stays, and life expectancy for older adults with multiple health issues, so we can better understand their needs and improve their care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMgh Institute of Health Professions NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlestown, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10359920 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how physical function, specifically gait speed and hand-grip strength, can serve as reliable indicators for predicting hospitalizations, long-term care placement, and mortality in older adults with cardiometabolic multimorbidity. By focusing on these functional biomarkers, the study aims to improve risk assessment models that currently rely heavily on the presence of multiple diseases without considering physical capabilities. Participants will undergo simple tests to measure their physical function, which will be analyzed alongside their health outcomes to develop more accurate predictive models. The goal is to enhance clinical assessments and ultimately improve care for older adults facing complex health challenges.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cardiometabolic multimorbidity, including conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not have multiple chronic health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prediction and management of health outcomes for older adults with multiple chronic conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using physical function measures as predictive tools in older populations, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Charlestown, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.