Tackling Muscle Loss in Hospitalized Older Adults with Blood Flow Restriction and a Gamified Muscle Check

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This Phase 2 interventional trial tests a light resistance program combined with blood flow restriction for hospitalized adults 65 and older who are immobile or unable to bear weight. The intervention uses sensors and a tablet-based game (GHOSTLY+) to adapt activities to the patient’s muscle activity and keep them engaged. Two arms compare gamified, BFR-assisted training to standard physiotherapy, focusing on preventing hospital-associated disability. Eligibility includes a projected 14-day hospital stay and sufficient cognitive and sensory ability to interact with the system. Safety and feasibility are assessed alongside changes in muscle strength and functional status.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

PATIENTS

Inclusion Criteria:

* Hospitalized, and expected to remain hospitalized for approximately 14 days
* 65+ yrs
* Unable to bear weight or transfer independently and at high risk of muscle strength loss due to prolonged immobility

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications for physical exercise as assessed by the treating physician using the risk assessment tool proposed by Kacin et al. (2015) (can be overruled by the physician)
* Contraindications for blood flow restriction as assessed by the treating physician (can be overruled by the physician)
* Cognitive impairment (MMSE score \< 19)
* Any condition that renders the patient unable to understand instructions or safely interact with the GHOSTLY+ system

THERAPISTS

Inclusion Criteria:

Therapists will be included if

* They are licensed physiotherapists employed at one of the three participating clinical sites
* They are involved in the daily rehabilitation of hospitalized older adults.

Exclusion Criteria:

Therapists will be excluded from participation if

* They are unable or unwilling to complete the GHOSTLY+ training
* They are not directly involved in the care of eligible patients during the study period
* They express any conflict of interest or ethical concern that may compromise the integrity of the study

Where it's running

• Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
  Brussels, Belgium Recruiting
• Universitair Ziekenhuis Leuven
  Leuven, Belgium Recruiting
• Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen
  Antwerp, Belgium Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Eva Swinnen, prof. dr. — Vrije Universiteit Brussel
• Study coordinator: Eva Swinnen, prof. dr.
• Email: eva.swinnen@vub.be
• Phone: +32 (0)2 477 45 27

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.