Internet-based therapy for older adults with mobility issues and depression
Empower@Home: Community Implementation for Older Adults With Ambulatory Disabilities
This study tests if an online therapy program can help older adults with mobility issues feel less depressed and more socially connected.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06721559 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the effectiveness of Empower@Home, an internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program, for older adults with ambulatory disabilities experiencing depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Empower@Home program or enhanced usual care, with the goal of assessing improvements in depressive symptoms and social engagement. The program consists of nine sessions designed to be engaging and accessible for homebound older adults, leveraging support from aging service providers to facilitate participation. The study aims to address barriers to traditional mental health services faced by this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 50 and above with mild depressive symptoms and mobility limitations who can engage with the program in English.
Not a fit: Patients with probable dementia, high suicide risk, or terminal illnesses may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health and social engagement for older adults with mobility limitations.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using internet-based CBT for depression, particularly among older adults, indicating a potential for success with this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * (1) be receiving or eligible to receive services at the recruitment sites * (2) read and speak English * (3) be at least 50 years old * (4) have at least mild depressive symptoms at screening (≥ 5 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 \[PHQ-9\]). * (5) Participants who are NOT currently receiving outside therapy must agree NOT to start outside therapy during study participation. Participants who are currently receiving outside therapy must agree NOT to increase their outside therapy frequency during study participation. * (6) have mobility limitations based on self-reported limitations in 10 mobility related questions (e.g., difficulty climbing stairs or walking) Exclusion Criteria: * (1) probable dementia based on the Blessed Orientation and Memory Scale. * (2) moderate or high risk of suicide based on the 6-item Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale * (3) a terminal illness with less than six months to live or unstable physical health conditions based on self-report * (4) a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder based on self-report and medical chart review * (5) severe vision impairment based on self-report (i.e., legally blind) * (6) current substance use disorders or receiving substance use treatment. * (7) currently receiving outside therapy more frequently than once a month or have started a new therapy treatment less than 3 months ago
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xiaoling Xiang, PhD — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Xiaoling Xiang, PHD
- Email: xiangxi@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-763-6581
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.