Comparison of Two Exercise Interventions to Improve Gait in Older Persons

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Gait

In brief

The purpose of this research study is to compare two different exercise treatments for walking problems in older adults. The investigators want to determine if participation in the exercise programs for 3 months will improve walking abilities by improving balance and strength.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT01076413

Run by

University of Pittsburgh

People needed

40

Starts

2010-03-01

Expected to finish

2012-03-01

Last updated by the study team

2016-01-25

Who can join

Age: 65 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 65 years of age and older
• Ambulatory without an assistive device or the assistance of another person
• Usual 4 meter gait speed ≥1.0 m/s
• Completes a figure-of-eight walk in > 8.0 seconds

You may not qualify if…

• Inability to participate in testing:
• persistent lower extremity pain that is present on most days of the week and crepitus, tenderness or enlargement of joints of the lower extremity (arthritis).84
• back pain that is present on most days of the weeks and interferes with walking and activities of daily living or back pain that increases with walking (lumbar stenosis)
• calf pain or cramping which worsens with walking and is relieved by rest (PAD)
• refusal to walk on a treadmill
• Safety concerns:
• dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living or use supplemental oxygen (CHF, COPD)
• any acute illness or medical condition that is not stable according to the approving physician
• resting systolic blood pressure ≥ 200 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mm Hg or resting heart rate > 100 or < 40 beats per minute85
• diagnosed dementia or cognitive impairment defined as a MMSE score < 24
• hospitalized in the past 6 months for acute illness or surgery, other than minor surgical procedures
• severe visual impairment with visual acuity < 20/70 with best correction
• history of stroke
• fixed or fused lower extremity joints such as hip, knee or ankle
• lower extremity strength <4/5 on manual muscle testing
• lower extremity amputation
• progressive movement disorder such as MS, ALS or Parkinson's disease

Where it is running

• University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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