240 Participants Needed

Walk With Ease + Physical Therapy for Fall Prevention

GJ
Overseen ByGregory J. Welk, Ph.D.
Age: 65+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2
Sponsor: Iowa State University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The study will use a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the potential of incorporating physical therapy exercises (primary prevention strategy) within an evidence-based intervention called Walk with Ease to reduce falls and fall risk in older, community-dwelling older adults. The integrated process and outcome evaluation will determine the relative effectiveness of individually prescribed exercises (compared to standardized exercises) as well as the potential of 'habit training' resources to improve compliance with exercises in this population. The study, conducted through a local clinical / community partnership will advance both science and practice while also informing implementation strategies needed to promote broader dissemination.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for fall prevention?

The Walk With Ease program, part of the treatment, has been shown to help people with arthritis improve their ability to move and reduce pain, which can indirectly support fall prevention by enhancing mobility and stability.12345

Is the Walk With Ease + Physical Therapy program safe for humans?

The Walk With Ease program, which involves physical activity, has been evaluated for its benefits in reducing fall risk among older adults, and physical therapy exercises are commonly used for balance and strength improvement. These interventions are generally considered safe for humans, especially when supervised by professionals.678910

How does the Walk With Ease + Physical Therapy treatment for fall prevention differ from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it combines group exercise with behavioral training to promote joyful movement, which enhances balance and confidence in older adults. Unlike other treatments, it focuses on creating a positive experience and improving biomechanics, which may lead to lasting reductions in fall risk.1011121314

Research Team

CM

Candis M. Hunter, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adults, specifically those aged 65 or above who can stand for at least 10 minutes without pain and have their doctor's permission. It's not suitable for people who aren't at risk of falls or are already somewhat active with daily physical activity.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 65 years old or older.
I can stand for at least 10 minutes without feeling pain.
Written permission from a physician

Exclusion Criteria

Already somewhat active (defined as at least 15 minutes of physical activity per day)
I am not at risk for falling.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete a 6-week structured Walk with Ease group exercise program, with sessions held 3 days a week for an hour each session, including warmup, walking, and cool-down exercises.

6 weeks
18 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in fall risk, physical activity, and other health outcomes.

12 months
Periodic assessments at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Behavioral Training
  • Group Exercise
Trial OverviewThe study tests the 'Walk With Ease' program, which combines physical therapy exercises with behavioral training to prevent falls in older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either individually prescribed exercises or standardized ones.
Participant Groups
4Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Enhanced Training (ET)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants the Enhanced Training (ET) model receive access to on online portal with weekly tips and education content, goal setting options and a daily tracking system for logging walking and exercises performed. They receive instruction on how to use the portal and are encouraged to use the integrated eBook and resources to supplement the group exercise programming. Weekly video-based lessons provide habit-formation training about how to form regular habits for physical activity. Participants are paired with a student 'coach' trained in motivational interviewing skills to provide virtual assistance in maintaining motivation during the programming.
Group II: Enhanced Implementation (EI)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants the Enhanced Implementation (SI) model complete the 6 week structured Walk with Ease group exercise program designed to build capacity and function in older adults. Sessions are held 3 days a week for an hour each session. Each session includes a 10 minute warmup including strength/flexibility exercises, a 30 minute bout of walking and a 10 minute cool-down including strength/flexibility exercises. Participants complete personalized exercises prescribed by a licensed Physical Therapist to help reduce potential risks of falling.
Group III: Standard Implementation (SI)Active Control1 Intervention
Participants the Standard Implementation (SI) model complete a 6 week structured Walk with Ease group exercise program designed to build capacity and function in older adults. Sessions are held 3 days a week for an hour each session. Each session includes a 10 minute warmup including strength/flexibility exercises, a 30 minute bout of walking and a 10 minute cool-down including strength/flexibility exercises. Participants complete standard exercises recommended in the base program.
Group IV: Standard Training (ST)Active Control1 Intervention
Participants the Standard Training (ST) model receive access to on online portal with weekly tips and education content, goal setting options and a daily tracking system for logging walking and exercises performed. They receive instruction on how to use the portal and are encouraged to use the integrated eBook and resources to supplement the group exercise programming. Weekly video-based lessons provide standard knowledge-based training about how to become more physically active.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Iowa State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
63
Recruited
145,000+

Findings from Research

Both group and self-directed formats of the Arthritis Foundation's Walk With Ease program led to significant increases in walking duration, with participants averaging around 34 minutes of walking at the 1-year follow-up.
While both formats showed similar self-reported walking outcomes, group participants were more likely to engage in recommended stretching and warm-up/cool-down exercises, suggesting that group settings may enhance adherence to comprehensive exercise guidelines.
Achievement of exercise objectives and satisfaction with the walk with ease program-group and self-directed participants.Nyrop, KA., Cleveland, R., Callahan, LF.[2016]
The Minnesota Arthritis Training Program (MATP) was developed to empower patients with arthritis by teaching them self-management skills to handle symptoms, modify exercise, and manage medication side effects effectively.
The program also addresses psychological issues related to rheumatoid arthritis, helping patients improve their social support systems and overall quality of life.
The Minnesota Arthritis Training Program: emphasis on self-management, not compliance.Mahowald, ML., Steveken, ME., Young, M., et al.[2019]
Packaged self-management education and exercise programs for arthritis have been shown to effectively reduce long-term pain and disability, helping individuals maximize their abilities and manage their conditions better.
Despite their benefits, these programs are underutilized, as many public health professionals are not aware of them, highlighting the need for greater awareness and evaluation of these interventions.
Intervention programs for arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.Brady, TJ., Kruger, J., Helmick, CG., et al.[2022]

References

Achievement of exercise objectives and satisfaction with the walk with ease program-group and self-directed participants. [2016]
The Minnesota Arthritis Training Program: emphasis on self-management, not compliance. [2019]
Intervention programs for arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. [2022]
Responding to stakeholder needs to engage rehabilitation professionals in the delivery of evidence-based health programming for adults with osteoarthritis. [2022]
Evaluation of group and self-directed formats of the Arthritis Foundation's Walk With Ease Program. [2011]
An observational pilot evaluation of the Walk with Ease program for reducing fall risk among older adults. [2023]
Evidence-based exercise prescription for balance and falls prevention: a current review of the literature. [2022]
Exercise for stroke prevention. [2022]
Investigating the emotional content of older adults engaging in a fall prevention exercise program integrated with dance movement therapy: a preliminary study. [2023]
Physical Therapists as Partners for Community Fall Risk Screenings and Referrals to Community Programs. [2023]
11.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Evaluation of a Community-Based Program That Integrates Joyful Movement Into Fall Prevention for Older Adults. [2020]
12.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Long-term compliance. [2022]
Nordic walking training in persons with Parkinson's disease: Individualized prescription-A case series. [2023]
Integrated Exposure Therapy and Exercise Reduces Fear of Falling and Avoidance in Older Adults: A Randomized Pilot Study. [2019]