Improving mobility for older hospitalized patients

Randomized Trial of Assisted Ambulation to Improve Health Outcomes for Older Medical Inpatients

Not applicable Interventional The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05725928

This study tests if having mobility technicians help older hospitalized patients walk more often can improve their movement when they leave the hospital.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Springfield, Massachusetts and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05725928 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effects of supervised ambulation by mobility technicians on hospitalized patients aged 65 and older. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the intervention of ambulation sessions up to three times daily or usual care. The study aims to evaluate the impact on mobility at discharge, identify patients who benefit most from the intervention, and analyze the overall costs associated with care. Participants will wear accelerometers to monitor their movement throughout their hospital stay.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 65 and older admitted to a medical service with specific mobility limitations.

Not a fit: Patients with significant language barriers, those requiring comfort care only, or those with planned surgical procedures will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance mobility and reduce hospital stays for older patients, leading to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with similar interventions aimed at improving mobility in hospitalized older adults.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must meet all of the inclusion criteria listed below to participate in this study:

1. ≥65 years of age
2. Admitted to a medical service
3. Complete history and physical examination on file
4. 6-Clicks score of 16-23
5. Insurance with Traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage

Exclusion Criteria:

Any patient meeting any of the exclusion criteria listed below at baseline will be excluded from study participation:

1. Significant language barrier that requires a translator (other than Spanish at Baystate site only)
2. Discharge planned for that day or the following day
3. Observation status
4. Surgical procedure planned
5. Patients diagnosed with unstable angina or other medical conditions precluding participation in exercise/ambulation
6. Permanent residence in a skilled nursing facility
7. Comfort care measures only
8. \>48 hours since admission
9. Active infection with COVID-19
10. Other active infection requiring contact or droplet precautions
11. Order for bedrest

Where this trial is running

Springfield, Massachusetts and 4 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 Mobility LimitationFrailtyHospital Acquired ConditionWeakness, Muscle
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.