Improving health for older adults at risk of functional decline after hospitalization
Combating Hospital-related Function Decline Among Prefrail Older Adults: Pilot Testing of a Strength-based Tailored-Exercise Program at Home (STEP@Home)
This study is testing a new exercise program designed to help older adults who are at risk of losing their physical abilities after being in the hospital, to see if it improves their health and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06191276 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study develops the STEP@Home intervention, which integrates a strength-based, tailored exercise program for elderly patients who are at risk of hospitalization-associated functional decline. The program encourages sustainable self-practice of physical exercises at home, utilizing empowerment strategies and lifestyle-integrated functional exercises. By employing a sequential mixed-method approach, the study aims to evaluate the impact of this intervention on physical functions and health-related quality of life among prefrail older adults. The findings could provide a scalable solution to manage functional decline in the geriatric population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are prefrail older adults aged 60 and above who have been discharged from the hospital without community care referrals.
Not a fit: Patients who have engaged in moderate or vigorous exercise in the past six months or have conditions contraindicating exercise training may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the physical functions and quality of life for older adults recovering from hospitalization.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar strength-based exercise interventions for older adults, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * i) aged 60 or above, ii) prefrail as defined by a score of 1-2 on the Frail Scale (FS) which measures fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness and weight loss over the last 4 weeks, iii) discharged home without any community care referral, iv) cognitively capable to receive exercise training as indicated by an Abbreviated Mental Test score of ≥ 6, and v) consented to participate Exclusion Criteria: * (i) engaging in moderate or vigorous exercise (\>60min/week) in the past 6 months, and (ii) with conditions contradictory to exercise training (e.g., acute muscular-skeletal problem, acute and unstable cardio-respiratory disease, etc).
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital — 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: +852 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.