Personalized exercise program for older adults with sickle cell disease

Gerofit Exercise Intervention for Older Adults With Sickle Cell Disease (SICKLE-FIT Study)

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT05714098

This study is testing a personalized exercise program for older adults with sickle cell disease to see if it is safe and helpful for them.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05714098 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a personalized exercise training program called Gerofit, specifically adapted for older adults aged 40 and above with sickle cell disease. Participants will undergo the Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment at baseline and every three months to monitor their progress. The study will also include interviews to identify barriers and facilitators to exercise, helping to optimize the intervention for better outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 40 and above who have a confirmed diagnosis of sickle cell disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are wheelchair-bound, oxygen-dependent, or have severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the physical health and quality of life for older adults living with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific adaptation of the Gerofit program for sickle cell disease is novel, similar exercise interventions for chronic conditions have shown promising results in improving patient outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Have a diagnosis of sickle cell disease (any genotype) confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography, or genotyping
* Understand and speak fluent English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with moderate or severe cognitive impairment based on ICD-10 codes or report from their outpatient provider
* Unable to self-consent
* Wheelchair-bound
* Successfully treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for SCD
* Have moderate to severe uncorrected visual or auditory impairment
* Oxygen-dependent
* Pregnant
* Have severe avascular necrosis requiring an assist device
* Unstable cardiac disease.

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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 Sickle Cell Diseasesickle cell anemiaolder adultsexercisegeriatricsfunctional impairment
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.