Preventing falls in older adults with cognitive frailty
ACTIVE: Adding Life to Years in Cognitive Frailty by Preventing Falls
This study is testing if a home exercise program combined with health coaching can help older adults with cognitive frailty and a history of falls stay safe and reduce their risk of falling.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 328 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06854731 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial aims to determine if a home-based exercise program, combined with behavioral change techniques, can effectively reduce falls in community-dwelling older adults aged 70 to 89 who have cognitive frailty and a history of falls. The intervention involves the Otago Exercise Program, which focuses on balance and strength training, alongside health coaching to enhance adherence. The study will be conducted over 12 months and will compare the exercise program to a control group receiving health education. The goal is to provide a rigorous evaluation of falls prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are community-dwelling older adults aged 70 to 89 who have experienced a fall in the past year and exhibit signs of cognitive frailty.
Not a fit: Patients who are not community-dwelling, those residing in nursing homes, or individuals with severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of falls among older adults with cognitive frailty, improving their overall health and independence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar exercise-based interventions for fall prevention in older adults, but this specific approach targeting cognitively frail individuals is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * We will include individuals who: 1) are aged 70 to 89 years\*; 2) live in Greater Vancouver; 3) are community-dwelling (i.e., not residing in a nursing home or extended care unit); 4) experienced a non-syncopal fall in the prior 12 months; 5) scored \< 9/12 on the SPPB; 6) have subjective cognitive complaints based on interview; 7) scored 18-25/30 on the MoCA; 8) are able to walk independently; use of cane is acceptable; 9) are able to safely engage in exercise as indicated by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire Plus (PAR-Q+) and confirmed by their physician; 10) have internet at home; and 11) are able to provide written informed consent. * The age maximum of 89 was set due to the increased risk of significant adverse health outcomes cognitively frail older adults face. As this population has an increased risk of falls, functional disability with loss of independence, hospitalization, and death, setting an age maximum aims to increase the likelihood that participants will be able to complete the 18-month study without interruptions due to health complications. This age limit has been reviewed and approved by CIHR. Exclusion Criteria: * We will exclude those who are: 1) diagnosed with dementia, as measured by a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score above 0.5, a neurodegenerative disease, or stroke; 2) self-report engaging in strength training and/or balance training exercises \> 2 times per week, in the prior 3 months; or 3) unable to understand, speak, and read English proficiently.
Where this trial is running
Vancouver, British Columbia
- Centre for Aging SMART at VCH, University of BC — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD
- Email: teresa.ambrose@ubc.ca
- Phone: 6046178047
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.