Actively Recruiting
Health Promotion With Targeted Exercise Intervention for Decreasing Fall Risk and Inactivity in Aging Veterans With Obesity and Signs of Sarcopenia
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-04-21
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
56 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Health Promotion With Targeted Exercise Intervention for Decreasing Fall Risk and Inactivity in Aging Veterans With Obesity and Signs of Sarcopenia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Veteran status
- 55 years or older
- Has a VA primary care provider
- Enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System for health care
- Body mass index between 30 and 40 kg/m^2
- Showing signs of sarcopenia
You will not qualify if you...
- Poorly controlled hypertension
- Use of home oxygen
- Contraindications to exercise or resistance exercise
- Significant cognitive impairment
- Other medical condition that prevents participation as judged by the study team
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 3 months
Participants attend virtual group sessions either combining fall-prevention exercise classes and health promotion education or health promotion education alone.
Exercise classes 3 times per week plus education class once per week, or education class once per week alone (all virtual)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21201
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Julie S Rekant, DPT PhD
O
Olivia Porcello, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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