Virtual group exercise and health education to lower fall risk in older Veterans with obesity and low muscle
Official title: Health Promotion With Targeted Exercise Intervention for Decreasing Fall Risk and Inactivity in Aging Veterans With Obesity and Signs of Sarcopenia
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT07206368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program tests whether a live virtual group exercise program plus health education can lower fall risk and increase daily activity for Veterans aged 55 and older with obesity and signs of sarcopenia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | May 30, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | April 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07206368 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 55 or older enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System with a BMI of 30–40 and clinical signs of sarcopenia who are medically cleared to participate in virtual group exercise.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with poorly controlled hypertension, home oxygen use, significant cognitive impairment, or other medical contraindications to exercise may not benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional program enrolls Veterans 55 and older with BMI 30–40 and signs of sarcopenia to compare a live virtual group exercise plus health education versus health education alone. The exercise sessions emphasize resistance, balance, and functional training delivered live online, while wearable sensors objectively track activity and fall-risk metrics. The approach prioritizes improving strength and function rather than weight loss to avoid worsening muscle or bone loss. Primary outcomes include changes in fall risk, daily activity levels, and functional mobility measured over the intervention period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce falls and improve mobility and daily activity for older Veterans with obesity without focusing on weight loss.
How similar studies have gone: Exercise-based fall prevention programs have reduced fall risk in older adults, but using live virtual group sessions with wearable sensors specifically for Veterans with obesity and sarcopenia is a relatively new approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran status * 55 years or older * VA primary care provider * Enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System for health care * Body mass index between and including 30 - 40 kg/m\^2 * Showing signs of sarcopenia Exclusion Criteria: * Poorly controlled hypertensin * Home oxygen use * Contraindications to exercise or resistance exercise * Significant cognitive impairment * Other medical condition precluding patient participation in this study per the medical judgement of the study team
Where it's running
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Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julie S Rekant, DPT PhD — Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
- Study coordinator: Julie S Rekant, DPT PhD
- Email: Julie.Rekant@va.gov
- Phone: (410) 605-7000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.