Targeted Exercise and Health Education for Fall Prevention in Veterans

This study is for Veterans aged 55 and older who have obesity (BMI between 30-40 kg/m²) and signs of sarcopenia (low muscle mass/strength). Falls are a major concern for this group, and traditional weight loss can sometimes worsen muscle and bone health. This study is testing if a virtual group exercise program, focusing on movement and obstacle negotiation three times a week, combined with weekly health education, can better reduce fall risk and improve daily activity. The study aims to see if this approach improves balance, physical activity, and knee strength after three months. You must be a Veteran, 55 or older, have a VA primary care provider, and be enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System. The current status of the study is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 50 participants. It is testing a fall prevention exercise program and health promotion education.
What's involved
Participants will attend virtual exercise classes three times a week for three months and virtual health education classes once a week for three months.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary outcomes, such as balance and physical activity, will be measured at 3 months.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07206368

Health Promotion With Targeted Exercise Intervention for Decreasing Fall Risk and Inactivity in Aging Veterans With Obesity and Signs of Sarcopenia

Recruiting
NAAges 55+InterventionalTreatment
VA Office of Research and Development
~50 participants
Updated 2026-04-21 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Fall prevention exerciseHealth promotion education

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Balance
Measured over 3 months
+2 more outcomes measured
Falls
Sarcopenia
Obesity
1 sites across 1 states
Maryland1
  • Julie S Rekant, DPT PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Veteran status
55 years or older
VA primary care provider
Enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System for health care
Body mass index between and including 30 - 40 kg/m\^2
Showing signs of sarcopenia

Exclusion

Poorly controlled hypertensin
Home oxygen use
Contraindications to exercise or resistance exercise
Significant cognitive impairment
Other medical condition precluding patient participation in this study per the medical judgement of the study team
  • Balance3 months

    The four-square step test will be used as a measure of balance. The change in amount of time it takes to complete the four-square step test is compared pre and post intervention

  • Physical activity3 months

    Weekly minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity will be used as a measure of physical activity. The change in amount of weekly minutes is compared pre to post intervention.

  • Knee extension strength3 months

    A measure of the maximal isometric muscle strength produced in knee extensor muscles will be assessed with a handheld dynamometer device. Pre and post intervention levels will be compared.