Home-based strength program for older adults recovering from a hospital stay
The Effects of a Strength-based Tailored-Exercise Program at Home (STEP@Home) on Health Outcomes of Geriatric Patients at Risk of Hospitalization-associated Functional Decline: A Sequential Mixed-method Study
This tests a 20-week, strength-focused, personalized home exercise program for older adults at risk of losing function after a hospital stay.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 256 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06820021 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a sequential mixed-method trial that randomizes eligible older adults 1:1 to a 20-week Strength-based Tailored-Exercise Program at Home (STEP@Home) or to standard physical activity education, using block randomization. The quantitative phase is a randomized controlled comparison of physical function and health-related quality of life outcomes, followed by a qualitative phase of interviews to explore participants' experiences and engagement. The intervention uses empowerment strategies, lifestyle-integrated functional exercises, and tele-platform video calls via smartphone to support sustainable self-practice after discharge. The design targets hospitalization-associated functional decline by delivering tailored strength training at home and measuring real-world feasibility and effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 or older who had an acute hospital stay of at least two days, are discharged home without exercise-based rehab referral, score above the SHERPA threshold indicating risk of post-hospital functional decline, own a smartphone, and consent to participate.
Not a fit: Patients who are bed-bound, have disabling conditions causing major functional loss (e.g., recent stroke), have acute unstable cardio-respiratory or musculoskeletal contraindications to exercise, or already do moderate-to-vigorous exercise over 60 minutes per week are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help older adults regain or maintain physical function and quality of life after hospitalization and may reduce downstream healthcare use.
How similar studies have performed: Previous home-based and telerehabilitation programs for older adults have shown improvements in mobility and function, though strength-based, tailored post-discharge programs with a mixed-methods evaluation are less common.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * i) aged 60 or above * ii) has an acute hospitalization and the length of hospital stay is of ≥ 2 days2, * iii) has risk of functional decline in 3 months following hospitalization as measured by the Screening for High-Risk Patients (SHERPA) score of \>3.5. SHERPA is a brief measure to identify the high risk by screening for the risk factors, including old age, poor health perception, IADL dysfunction, mild cognitive impairment and fall in the previous year. * iv) discharged home without any referral for exercise-based rehabilitation * v) has a Smartphone to access video calls * vi) consented to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * i) admitted with a disabling condition leading to significant functional loss such as stroke,) * ii) bed-bound or chair bound * iii) with conditions contradictory to exercise training (e.g., acute muscular-skeletal problem, acute and unstable cardio-respiratory disease, etc), * iv) engaging in moderate or vigorous exercise (\>60min/week) in the past 6 months.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- the University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Doris Sau Fung YU, PhD — The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Doris Sau Fung YU, PhD
- Email: dyu1@hku.hk
- Phone: 39176319
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.