Improving physical activity for older adults with limited mobility

SuPA Mobility: Supporting Physical Activity for Mobility in Mobility-Limited Older Adults

Not applicable Interventional University of British Columbia · NCT05978336

This study is testing a 26-week health coaching program to see if it can help older adults with limited mobility become more active compared to those who just receive health education.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment290 (estimated)
Ages70 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05978336 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 26-week health coaching intervention designed to enhance physical activity levels in older adults experiencing mobility limitations. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the health coaching program or a control group receiving health education. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 13 weeks, 26 weeks, and a 6-month follow-up to measure outcomes related to mobility and physical activity. The study will involve a total of 290 older adults to ensure robust data collection and analysis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are community-dwelling older adults with limited mobility who can safely engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients diagnosed with dementia or stroke, or those who have been physically active in the past three months, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the physical activity levels and overall mobility of older adults, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with health coaching interventions aimed at increasing physical activity among older adults, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* scored ≤ 9/12 on the SPPB
* are able to complete the 400-m walk in ≤ 15 minutes without sitting or physical assistance from another person or walker (use of cane is acceptable)
* scored 22/30 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
* have no significant functional impairment as indicated by a score of 6/8 or higher on the Lawton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale
* are able to safely engage in MVPA as indicated by the PAR-Q+ and by the family or study physician as necessary
* are community-dwelling
* are able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* are diagnosed with dementia or stroke
* self-report engaging in MVPA ≥ 10 minutes per week in the prior 3 months
* are unable to understand, speak, and read English proficiently

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia

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 Limitation, MobilityOlder Adultsphysical activityhealth coachingexerciselimited mobility
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.