Testing a High-Intensity Exercise Program Combined With Brain Challenges to Improve Physical and Mental Health in Older Adults at Moderate Risk of Falling

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the feasibility of a high-intensity functional exercise program combined with simultaneous cognitive challenges HIFEcog for older adults at risk of falls. This randomized controlled pilot trial aims to assess the acceptability, safety, recruitment, adherence, and participant experiences of this combined exercise and cognitive program compared to a high-intensity functional exercise program alone HIFE. The study focuses on people aged 75 years and older with moderate fall risk to improve their physical and cognitive functions. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups the HIFEcog group or the HIFE group. Both groups will perform individually tailored exercises focused on lower leg strengthening, static and dynamic balance, and weight-bearing positions. The HIFEcog group will also complete cognitive exercises simultaneously with balance exercises. Each session lasts about one hour, including warm-up, and is held twice weekly in supervised groups for 12 weeks. During the study, researchers will monitor recruitment, adherence, safety, and retention throughout the 3-month intervention. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after 3 months to measure balance, gait capacity, cognitive function, occupational performance, fear of falling, psychological wellbeing, physical activity, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life, and daily living activities. Participant experiences of the intervention and its effects will also be collected. The study aims to provide estimates and data to plan future trials.

Feasibility of High-intensity Functional Exercise with Simultaneous Cognitive Challenge for Older People with Falls Risk