Virtual exercise program for improving mobility at home

Short-term Effects of a Virtual, Community-based, Task-oriented Group Exercise Program Compared to a Waitlist Control in Increasing Function Among Adults With Balance and Mobility Limitations: The TIME™ at Home Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is testing a virtual exercise program to see if it can help adults with mobility challenges improve their movement and overall well-being while reducing their need for help from caregivers.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Toronto (Academic / other)
• Locations: 4 sites (Edmonton, Alberta and 3 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06245135 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial compares the effects of a virtual, community-based exercise program called TIME™ at Home with a waitlist control group for adults experiencing mobility limitations. Participants will engage in task-oriented group exercises designed to enhance their physical and mental health, as well as reduce reliance on caregiver assistance. Evaluations will be conducted via Zoom at the start of the program and again at two and five months to assess improvements in mobility, balance, and overall well-being. The study also aims to explore the influence of mobility limitation levels and caregiver dynamics on participant experiences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 18 and older who have mobility limitations and can participate in virtual exercise sessions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not able to walk independently for at least 10 meters or those involved in other formal exercise programs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mobility and quality of life for individuals with balance and mobility limitations.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with community-based exercise programs for mobility limitations, suggesting potential success for this virtual approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. adult defined as age 18 years or older;
2. mobility limitations (eg, need to use a walking aid, difficulty stepping onto curbs, ramps, stairs, or walk on uneven surfaces);
3. living independently in the community (in own home or assisted living settings);
4. able to walk a minimum of 10 metres independently (with walking aids if used) without assistance and/or supervision from another person;
5. able to stand up from and sit down onto a chair independently, without supervision;
6. able to maintain balance while exercising in standing (e.g., marching on the spot) holding onto the back of a chair or a sturdy countertop;
7. has a study partner (e.g., caregiver, family member or friend) willing to be present, at minimum, during the first evaluation in the home via Zoom;
8. able to speak and read English to understand informed consent and follow instructions for study procedures and exercises;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. involvement in another formal exercise or rehabilitation program in the next 2 months;
2. previous participation in the TIME at Home exercise program;
3. health conditions or symptoms preventing participation in exercise;
4. cognitive impairment, defined as a score of \<11/15 on the 5-minute Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA);
5. severe visual impairment;
6. severe hearing impairment

Caregivers

Inclusion criteria:

1. caregiver defined as an individual who helps the exercise participant to live at home by providing support and assistance with at least one basic (e.g., self-care) and/or instrumental activity of daily living (e.g., doing groceries, cleaning, managing finances, making meals, doing laundry, etc.) at least once a week;
2. able to speak and read English.

Exclusion criteria:

1\. Is a paid personal support worker.

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta and 3 other locations

• University of Alberta — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
• University of Manitoba — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Recruiting)
• Bruyère Research Institute — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
• University of Toronto — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Nancy Salbach, PhD — University of Toronto
• Study coordinator: Renato Barbosa dos Santos, MSc

Conditions Mobility Limitation; Virtual Exercise; Community-based Exercise; Mobility; Balance; Randomized Controlled Trial