Rehabilitation program for frail older adults

Frailty Rehabilitation: A Community-based Intervention to Promote Healthy Aging

NA · McMaster University · NCT03824106

This study is testing a rehabilitation program to see if it can help frail older adults improve their physical abilities and reduce their risk of mobility issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment324 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcMaster University (other)
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT03824106 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a frailty rehabilitation program aimed at improving physical function in community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and above who are frail and at high risk for mobility disability. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group, an exercise-only group, or a multi-modal rehabilitation group that includes exercise, nutrition, medication review, and supplements. The study will involve 324 participants recruited from YMCA sites, with assessments conducted to evaluate the impact of the rehabilitation program on frailty and sarcopenia. The trial aims to identify essential components of rehabilitation that can help change the trajectory of frailty in older adults.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and older who are frail and at high risk for mobility disability.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently attending a group exercise program or have significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the physical function and quality of life for frail older adults, potentially delaying or preventing mobility disability.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that community-based interventions for frailty can be effective, suggesting a promising outlook for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Community-dwelling ≥65 years of age
* Able to independently ambulate 25m with or without walking aid
* At high risk for mobility disability/functional limitations
* Received medical clearance
* Can arrange transportation to the YMCA up to 2x/week
* Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and proof of identification

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to speak or understand English
* Currently attending a group exercise program
* Currently in a drug optimization study/program
* Currently taking protein supplements daily
* Significant cognitive impairment where they may have difficulty following two-step commands in group exercise
* Receiving palliative/end of life care
* Unstable angina or heart failure
* Unable to attend for more than 20% of trial duration

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Frailty

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.