Virtual group exercise and health education to lower fall risk in older Veterans with obesity and low muscle
Health Promotion With Targeted Exercise Intervention for Decreasing Fall Risk and Inactivity in Aging Veterans With Obesity and Signs of Sarcopenia
NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT07206368
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development (fed) |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT07206368 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- 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
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.
Conditions: Falls, Sarcopenia, Obesity, fall