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Frailty Rehabilitation

Frailty

Frailty is an important clinical state that contributes to falls, hospitalization, institutionalization and death. When an individual simultaneously has many health problems, a frailty "tipping point" may be triggered by even a minor stressful event such as adding a new drug or urinary tract infection. Our research suggests that approximately 23% of Canadians over age 65 are frail, and by age 85 this estimate increases to over 40%. As we learn more about frailty and its consequences, there is an urgent need to develop community-based interventions that will prevent or delay frailty in older adults. Our proposed study will examine if frailty rehabilitation program is an effective community-based intervention to promote healthy aging. The primary objective of our study is to determine if 4-month frailty rehabilitation improves physical function compared with control and exercise alone in community-dwelling older adults living with frailty and sarcopenia. Secondary objectives of our study are to determine if 4-months of frailty rehabilitation can improve functional abilities and reduce healthcare utilization during a 6-month follow-up period compared with control and exercise alone. Results will translate the first Canadian model of frailty and sarcopenia rehabilitation and management.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL
  • Eligible Ages:

    65 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Community-dwelling ≥65 years of age
* Able to independently ambulate 25m with or without walking aid
* At high risk for mobility disability/functional limitations
* Received medical clearance
* Can arrange transportation to the YMCA up to 2x/week
* Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and proof of identification

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to speak or understand English
* Currently attending a group exercise program
* Currently in a drug optimization study/program
* Currently taking protein supplements daily
* Significant cognitive impairment where they may have difficulty following two-step commands in group exercise
* Receiving palliative/end of life care
* Unstable angina or heart failure
* Unable to attend for more than 20% of trial duration

Study Location

McMaster University - St. Peter's Hospital
McMaster University - St. Peter's Hospital
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Sherri Smith

[email protected]
905 521 2100
Study Sponsored By
McMaster University
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT03824106