Virtual rehabilitation program for spine fractures

Virtual Intervention for Vertebral frActure: a Pilot, Feasibility Study for a Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Waterloo · NCT06650410

This study is testing a virtual rehab program for adults over 50 with spine fractures from osteoporosis to see if it helps them improve their physical function and quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Waterloo Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Vancouver, British Columbia and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06650410 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of a virtual rehabilitation program called VIVA for adults over 50 who have experienced spine fractures due to osteoporosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the VIVA intervention immediately or after a 10-week delay. The program includes weekly one-on-one rehabilitation sessions with an exercise professional over eight weeks, focusing on improving physical function, balance, and overall quality of life. The study will take place across multiple centers in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, with the goal of determining if a larger clinical trial is viable.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 50 who have had at least one vertebral fracture in the past two years due to osteoporosis.

Not a fit: Patients with severe spinal conditions, traumatic fractures, or those unable to participate in virtual sessions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide accessible rehabilitation options for patients recovering from spine fractures, improving their physical function and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While virtual rehabilitation programs are emerging, this specific approach for spine fractures is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* have had at least one vertebral fracture in the past two years confirmed by a radiology report
* willing to participate in once weekly virtual rehabilitation sessions for 8 weeks
* have access to internet and a smart device with a camera and microphone.

Exclusion Criteria:

* have cauda equina syndrome or spinal cord injury or spinal cord injury
* had a traumatic fracture (i.e., car accident); an active infection; active inflammatory arthritis with a flare up within the past two years
* an inability to follow two-step commands or understand instructions and are without a caregiver to support participation
* been participating in a similar rehabilitation program for vertebral fractures delivered by a physical therapist, exercise physiologist or kinesiologist and includes exercise
* any surgeries planned or health problems that might cause their health to change significantly in the next 3 months

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia and 3 other locations

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.
Conditions OsteoporosisFractures, SpinalRehabilitationSpine fractureExercisePhysical functioning
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.