Adding strength and balance to maintenance cardiac rehabilitation for older adults
Exploring the Addition of Strength and Balance Exercise Into Traditional Community-based Maintenance Cardiac Rehabilitation Classes in Older Adults: A Pilot Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
This project will test whether adding about 20 minutes of strength and balance exercises to community maintenance cardiac rehab classes helps improve functional fitness, balance confidence, and reduce concerns about falling for adults aged 50 and over.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 53 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Glasgow Caledonian University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Glasgow) |
| Trial ID | NCT07500077 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot cluster randomized controlled trial will compare usual aerobic-based community maintenance cardiac rehabilitation classes with classes that include an added 20-minute strength and balance component delivered for 12 weeks. Functional fitness will be measured with the Functional Fitness MOT and participants will complete questionnaires on physical activity, balance confidence, and concerns about falling at baseline and 12-week follow-up. Intervention-group participants will also take part in online focus groups and exercise leaders will be interviewed by video call to capture perceptions of the added exercises and delivery issues. All testing and classes take place at existing community venues in Scotland.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 50 and over in Scotland who are English-speaking, able to give written consent, and have been attending community-based maintenance cardiac rehabilitation classes for at least six months are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with unstable cardiovascular symptoms, moderate to severe cognitive impairment, recent limb fractures, or limb amputations are not eligible and are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding strength and balance could improve functional fitness and balance confidence, lower concerns about falling, and help older adults stay more active and independent.
How similar studies have performed: Strength and balance additions to community and rehabilitation exercise programs have shown benefits for balance and function in other older adult populations, but cluster randomized trials specifically within maintenance cardiac rehab are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English-speaking older adults * Aged ≥50 years old * Able to provide written informed consent * Currently engaged with community-based Maintenance Cardiac Rehabilitation exercise classes within Scotland for at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Show symptoms of an unstable cardiovascular medical condition * Have moderate or severe cognitive impairment (can neither understand nor write the informed consent form, and/or cannot follow instructions) * Have upper or lower limb amputation * Have had upper or lower limb fractures in the past six months.
Where this trial is running
Glasgow
- Glasgow Caledonian University — Glasgow, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Areeba Iqbal, DPT student
- Email: aiqbal207@caledonian.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)1413318982
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.