High-intensity rehabilitation for older adults in nursing facilities

Advancing Rehabilitation Paradigms for Older Adults in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Not applicable Interventional University of Colorado, Denver · NCT05492240

This study is testing a new high-intensity rehabilitation program for older adults in nursing facilities to see if it helps them recover better after hospitalization compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2880 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05492240 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a high-intensity rehabilitation program called i-STRONGER for older adults admitted to skilled nursing facilities after hospitalization. The study will compare outcomes between facilities implementing this program and those providing usual care. It will also assess factors that contribute to successful implementation of rehabilitation strategies in these settings. By focusing on improving physical function, the trial seeks to reduce the risk of adverse events associated with deconditioning in older adults.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older who are admitted to a skilled nursing facility from the hospital and are ambulatory upon admission.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to high-intensity resistance training or those with neurological diagnoses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly enhance recovery outcomes and quality of life for older adults in skilled nursing facilities.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with high-intensity rehabilitation approaches, suggesting potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Rehabilitation staff at enrolled sites will participate in research activities, as indicated by group assignment.

Site Inclusion Criteria:

* Aegis Therapies-contracted skilled nursing facility (SNF)
* Admits approximately 15 patients per month for short term rehabilitation

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 50 years of age
* Admitted to a SNF from the hospital
* Ambulatory upon SNF admission

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to high-intensity resistance training, per American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Testing and Prescription
* Lower extremity weight-bearing precautions
* Neurological diagnosis (e.g., Cerebral vascular accident, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease)
* Subsequent SNF admission

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado 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 AgingFunctional RecoverySkilled Nursing FacilityMedically ComplexDeconditioningRehabilitationOlder AdultsPhysical Therapy
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.