Task-Oriented Resistance Exercise for Limited Mobility

(LIFT Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Chiung-ju Liu Associate Professor, PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2

Sponsor: University of Florida

Disqualifiers: Terminal disease, Neurological condition, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 6 weeks

10 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a six-week exercise program to help older adults regain strength and mobility after leaving home health care. The program emphasizes task-oriented resistance exercises, which involve performing everyday activities with added resistance, such as weights. It targets individuals aged 65 to 90 with mobility issues, like needing a cane or feeling unsteady while walking. Participants must live near the study site, have a care partner nearby, and be willing to wear an activity tracker. The trial aims to improve daily life by making movement and task completion easier. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants a chance to be among the first to experience this innovative approach.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this exercise program is safe for older adults with limited mobility?

Research has shown that task-focused resistance exercise is generally safe for older adults. Studies have found that this type of exercise can improve independence in daily activities, particularly in using the arms and hands, over six to eight weeks. Although some reports mention a slight decrease in strength in the major muscles of the lower body, the exercise appears to boost arm strength and reduce pain for those with mobility issues.

Since this trial is in its early stages, it primarily aims to assess the safety and practicality of the exercise program. Early-phase trials like this one ensure the treatment is safe for participants. Testing task-focused resistance exercise in a clinical trial indicates confidence in its safety for further study. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatment?

Researchers are excited about task-oriented resistance exercise for limited mobility because it offers a personalized approach that can be done at home, making it accessible and convenient. Unlike traditional physical therapy, which often focuses on general strength training, this method tailors exercises to daily tasks that individuals find challenging, promoting better functional improvements. Additionally, by integrating resistance training with specific task goals, it may enhance engagement and motivation, leading to more consistent practice and potentially faster progress.

What evidence suggests that task-oriented resistance exercise is effective for improving mobility in older adults?

Studies have shown that specific resistance exercises can greatly improve movement and strength in older adults. Research indicates that these exercises enhance physical abilities and independence, especially after events like a hospital stay. For example, this type of training increased independence for elderly individuals who had a stroke. The task-oriented resistance exercise program, provided to participants in this trial, focuses on strengthening the lower body to improve both movement and balance. These exercises can be adjusted to suit individual needs and can be done at home, offering convenience for older adults who want to regain strength and confidence in daily activities. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Chiung-ju Liu Associate Professor, phD

Principal Investigator

University of Florida

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults aged 65-90 who have cognitive decline, use a mobility aid or walk unsteadily, and were recently in home health care. They must live near the study site with internet access, have a caregiver nearby, and be willing to wear an activity tracker. Those with severe sensory loss, unable to commit to six weeks of exercise, certain medical conditions like end-stage heart failure or terminal diseases are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Live within a 50-mile radius of the study site with wireless connectivity in the area

I am between 65 and 90 years old.

Community-dwelling

Exclusion Criteria

Plan to move away outside the study area in two months

Reside in an assisted living or long-term care facility or plan to relocate to such facility in the next three months

I have severe vision or hearing loss that affects my daily activities or communication.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a six-week hybrid task-oriented resistance exercise program at home

6 weeks

Weekly visits (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 weeks

Visits at 8 weeks and 12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Task-oriented resistance exercise

Trial Overview The trial is testing a six-week hybrid task-oriented resistance exercise program designed for older adults post-home health care discharge. It aims to assess the feasibility and benefits of this program on improving motor skills and cognitive function.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: LIFT Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a task-oriented resistance exercise program at home.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,428

Recruited

987,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5301612/

Task-Oriented Exercise to Reduce Activities of Daily Living ... Although the ADL disability in older adults has decreased, with the greatest estimated rate of decline at −2.74% per year (Freedman, Martin, & Schoeni, 2002), ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229925001037

The efficacy of physical activity or exercise among ... Physical activity improves motor function, strength, and independence, particularly through task-oriented and VR-based exercises 12, 13 Despite growing interest ...

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-sciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2022.836655/full

Mobility Disability and Exercise: Health Outcomes of an ... This study provides evidence that an accessible community-based exercise program, with a transitional component supported by trained professionals, can support ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/394543261_Effectiveness_of_Task-Oriented_Training_in_Improving_Functional_Independence_in_Elderly_Stroke_Survivors

(PDF) Effectiveness of Task-Oriented Training in Improving ... Conclusion: TOT is an effective, adaptable, and patient-centered approach for enhancing functional independence in elderly stroke survivors.

5. jkspm.org jkspm.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.13066/kspm.2017.12.3.79

The Effect of Task-oriented Training on Mobility Function ... The purpose of this study is to examine how task-oriented training focused on lower extremity strengthening can affect mobility function and postural stability.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9397740/

Health Outcomes of an Accessible Community-Based Center This study provides evidence that an individualized CBEP can significantly improve upper extremity strength and decrease pain for PwMD, as well ...

7. dune.une.edu dune.une.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1055&context=pt_studcrpaper

Use Of A Task-Oriented Approach In The Physical Therapy ... Gross strength slightly diminished in all major muscles groups of lower extremities. Occupational therapist assessed upper extremities.