Home-based exercise and meal delivery for frail older adults

A Meal Delivery and Exercise Intervention to Increase Resilience in Homebound Older Adults

NA · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT04906759

This study tests if a combination of home exercise and meal delivery can help frail older adults move better and improve their overall health.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (other)
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04906759 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of a home-based exercise program combined with meal delivery through Meals on Wheels on gait speed and frailty status in homebound older adults. It aims to assess the relationship between novel serum biomarkers and established frailty biomarkers before and after the intervention. Participants will be categorized into two groups: one receiving meals plus exercise and another receiving meals only. The study focuses on improving the health and mobility of frail and prefrail individuals who are unable to leave their homes unassisted.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are homebound older adults who are frail or prefrail and medically stable.

Not a fit: Patients who are robust, unable to ambulate, or have a pre-diagnosed terminal illness may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance mobility and overall health in frail older adults, potentially reducing their risk of further health decline.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar home-based exercise and nutrition interventions for frail populations, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* homebound (normally unable to leave the home unassisted)
* frail or prefrail by The Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP)
* medically stable

Exclusion Criteria:

* robust by FFP
* have Mini-Cog score \<3 and/or are unable to follow instructions
* have a pre-diagnosed terminal illness
* unable to ambulate
* unable to use their upper extremities, and/or are already participating in physician-prescribed physical therapy or occupational therapy.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Frailty, homebound patients, exercise, nutrition

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.