A program to help older adults improve physical activity and healthy eating

The Enhancing Physical and Community Mobility in Older Adults With Health Inequities Using Community Co-design of a Multifaceted Intervention Incorporating Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, Social Participation, and System Navigation (EMBOLDEN) Trial

Not applicable Interventional McMaster University · NCT05008159

This study tests a new program to help older adults improve their physical activity and healthy eating while also making social connections to reduce feelings of isolation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcMaster University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Hamilton, Ontario(ON) and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05008159 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program aims to enhance physical mobility and social participation among older adults aged 55 and above, particularly those facing challenges in accessing community programs due to health inequities. It employs a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the effectiveness of a co-designed community-based intervention that includes weekly health education sessions, facilitated physical activities, and tailored system navigation support. The program focuses on increasing knowledge and skills related to physical activity and healthy eating while fostering social connections to reduce isolation. The study will also explore the potential for adapting this program for broader implementation across Canadian communities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling older adults aged 55 and older living in selected neighborhoods.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to walk 10 meters without assistance or cannot understand English may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the physical mobility and overall quality of life for older adults in underserved communities.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community-based interventions aimed at improving health outcomes in older adults, making this approach promising yet adaptable.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

• Community-dwelling older adults (55 years of age and older) living in a neighbourhood selected for the study.

Exclusion criteria:

* Unable to speak or understand English
* Unable to walk 10 meters without physical assistance from another person (assistive devices permitted)

As a pragmatic trial, we have chosen broad inclusion criteria to reflect the characteristics of individuals who may join a program such as this outside of a research study. Thus, we will not exclude individuals based on the presence of existing chronic disease, comorbidities, or other factors that may impact attendance.

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario(ON) and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mobility LimitationHealth Related Quality of LifeHealthy AgingHealth InequityPhysical MobilityAgingCommunity-based interventionPublic and community engagement
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.