Multicomponent exercise to improve function, cognition, and reduce falls in nursing home residents
Effects of a Multicomponent Exercise Program on Physical Function, Cognition and Falls Risk Among Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes: MOVE4CARE
This 12-week program will test whether combined resistance, balance, power, and aerobic exercises help nursing home residents with frailty or dementia improve thinking and physical ability and have fewer falls.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidade do Porto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Porto) |
| Trial ID | NCT07392944 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, controlled 12-week trial comparing a multicomponent exercise program (resistance/power, balance, and aerobic training) with an active control stretching and relaxation program in older adults living in nursing homes. Participants who can ambulate and perform chair stands and can follow testing procedures will be randomized to one of the two interventions. Primary outcomes include changes in physical function, cognitive performance, and fall rates, with secondary analyses examining whether effects persist after the intervention period. The trial is conducted by the University of Porto and targets institutionalized older adults with frailty and/or cognitive impairment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are nursing home residents who can walk (with or without assistance), can perform chair stands, can follow instructions, have an SPPB score of 3 or higher, and do not have recent participation in structured exercise programs.
Not a fit: Patients with terminal illness, unstable medical conditions or contraindications to exercise, an SPPB score below 3, or those unable to follow testing procedures are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve strength, mobility, and cognition and reduce falls among nursing home residents, helping preserve independence and reduce injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous non-pharmacological trials have reported benefits of multicomponent exercise on physical and sometimes cognitive outcomes in institutionalized older adults, but results are heterogeneous and more rigorous RCTs are needed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to ambulate (with or without assistance); * Ability to perform chair stands (with or without assistance); * Ability to understand and properly follow testing procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Any contraindication that precludes exercise performance or testing procedures, including terminal illness, uncontrolled disease, or other unstable medical conditions; * Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score \< 3 points; * Participation in any exercise intervention within the past 3 months; * Simultaneous participation in another clinical trial during the study; * Planned transfer to another nursing home facility, to home, or to hospitalization during the intervention.
Where this trial is running
Porto
- Faculty of Sports, University of Porto — Porto, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Joana Carvalho, PhD — Universidade do Porto
- Study coordinator: Maria Joana Carvalho, PhD
- Email: Jcarvalho@fade.up.pt
- Phone: +351 220425316
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.