Virtual Exercise and Health Education to Reduce Fall Risk in Veterans 55 and Older With Obesity and Muscle Loss

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to find better ways to reduce fall risk and improve daily activity in older Veterans with obesity and signs of sarcopenia, a condition involving loss of muscle mass and strength. Traditional weight-loss programs may worsen muscle and bone health, increasing fall risk, so this study focuses on combining exercise with health education to support functional health. The study addresses important gaps in care by testing if exercise plus education is more effective than education alone for this vulnerable group. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one group attends a live virtual exercise-based fall prevention class three times a week for three months combined with weekly health promotion education sessions, while the other group attends the health promotion education sessions alone once a week for three months. The exercise sessions focus on movement and obstacle negotiation to improve balance and muscle strength. During the study, participants will be monitored for changes in balance, physical activity levels, and knee extension strength over three months. Researchers will use wearable sensors and clinical tests to measure fall risk, mobility, and muscle quality. The study includes assessments of community mobility and functional muscle improvements to inform future fall prevention strategies for aging Veterans with obesity and sarcopenia.

Health Promotion With Targeted Exercise Intervention for Decreasing Fall Risk and Inactivity in Aging Veterans With Obesity and Signs of Sarcopenia