Home-based strength program for older adults recovering from a hospital stay

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.