Live Long Walk Strong Program for Limited Mobility

(LLWS Trial)

Overseen By Jonathan F Bean, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Disqualifiers: Terminal disease, Unstable condition, Psychiatric disorder, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests the Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program, which aims to improve walking speed and overall mobility in veterans with limited movement. Participants will either begin the program immediately or after an 8-week wait. It targets veterans aged 50 and older who live in the community and walk slowly but do not use a walker. The goal is to determine if the program helps participants walk faster and to identify which parts of the program make the biggest difference. Veterans who find walking difficult but manageable without a walker may find this trial suitable. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance mobility programs for veterans.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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 the Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program is safe for improving mobility in veterans?

Research shows that the Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program is generally safe for participants. The program aims to help older adults, especially Veterans, improve movement and walking speed. Although detailed safety data remains limited, the program supports recovery with low-risk activities like guided exercises and physical therapy.

Since the program does not involve testing new drugs or invasive treatments, it is likely well-tolerated. Rehabilitation programs like this are commonly used in clinical settings to build muscle strength, improve balance, and enhance overall mobility. These programs usually have a good safety record, rarely causing harm and considered safe for the intended participants.

In summary, the Live Long Walk Strong program is expected to be safe because it is non-invasive and focuses on improving physical function through controlled exercises. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program because it offers a fresh approach to improving mobility. Unlike traditional physical therapy, which often requires long-term commitment and may not be accessible to everyone, this program is designed to deliver noticeable improvements in just eight weeks. It combines targeted exercises with motivational support, potentially making it more engaging and effective for individuals with limited mobility. By focusing on both physical and psychological aspects, this program could revolutionize how we tackle mobility issues, offering hope for quicker and more sustainable results.

What evidence suggests that the Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program is effective for improving gait speed in Veterans with limited mobility?

Research has shown that the Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program, available to participants in this trial, helps older adults with limited mobility improve their walking speed. Studies have found that over 85% of participants achieve their mobility goals and report improved movement. The program emphasizes strengthening leg muscles and enhancing endurance, both crucial for effective walking. Participants generally express high satisfaction, with 80% pleased with the physical therapy they receive. Overall, the program appears promising in helping older adults walk more confidently and smoothly. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jonathan F. Bean, MD

Principal Investigator

VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Veterans aged 50 or older with limited mobility, specifically those who can walk at a usual pace of 0.5 m/s to 1.0 m/s, live in the community, and can communicate in English. They must be able to modify activities and have access to telehealth rehabilitation. Those with severe physical impairments, recent major medical events, planned surgeries, cognitive issues or terminal diseases cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Veteran

Community dwelling

I can change my activities and use online rehab services.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a significant health issue like nerve, bone, or vision problems.

You have a very advanced, incurable illness.

I am scheduled for a major surgery soon.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Wait List Control

Participants are placed on an 8-week wait list before starting the rehabilitation program

8 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo the Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for gait speed, trunk muscle endurance, gait variability, and lower extremity power

16 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program

Trial Overview The study tests the Live Long Walk Strong (LLWS) rehab program's effectiveness on improving walking speed among older Veterans with mobility limitations. It also looks into which aspects of the program are most beneficial for enhancing gait speed.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Live Long Walk Strong Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

8 week rehabilitation program

Group II: 8 week wait list control Active Control 1 Intervention

8 week wait list then followed by 8 weeks of the Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9482036/

The Live Long Walk Strong Rehabilitation Program Study The primary outcome measure is gait speed. Secondary outcomes include leg strength and power, trunk muscle endurance, gait smoothness, and exercise self- ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04026503

Live Long Walk Strong (LLWS) Rehabilitation Program: ... This study is being performed to evaluate the efficacy of the Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program in Veterans 50 years and older.

3. archives-pmr.org archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(19)31259-6/fulltext

The Live Long Walk Strong Clinical Rehabilitation Program The purpose is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the LLWS program among community-dwelling, mobility-limited older Veterans.

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/360934658_The_Live_Long_Walk_Strong_Rehabilitation_Program_Study_Design_and_Methods

The Live Long Walk Strong Rehabilitation Program Study Overall, participants were satisfied with the PT treatment (80%), and over 85% responded that the PT treatment met its objectives by improving their mobility.

5. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36123980/

The Live Long Walk Strong Rehabilitation Program Study Main outcome measure: The primary outcome measure is gait speed. Secondary outcomes include leg strength and power, trunk muscle endurance, gait ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04026503

Live Long Walk Strong (LLWS) Rehabilitation Program ... This study is being performed to evaluate the efficacy of the Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program in Veterans 50 years and older.

7. spauldingrehab.org spauldingrehab.org/conditions-services/walking-program

Live Long Walk Strong Fall Prevention - Spaulding Rehab Our fall prevention program, Live Long Walk Strong, evaluates potential fall risk factors and gives you the tools and treatments necessary.

8. research.va.gov research.va.gov/about/funded_research/proj-details-FY2021.cfm?pid=644147

The Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program The Live Long Walk Strong rehabilitation program: What features improve mobility skills? Principal Investigator: Jonathan Bean. Location: Boston, MA.