Assisted Ambulation to Improve Health Outcomes for Older Medical Inpatients

Launched by THE CLEVELAND CLINIC · Feb 10, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how regular supervised walking sessions can help older patients in the hospital improve their health. The research will compare two groups: one group will receive extra help from a mobility technician to walk up to three times a day, while the other group will continue with standard care. The goal is to see if those who participate in the walking sessions feel better and recover faster, and also to find out if this approach affects the overall costs of their hospital stay.

To qualify for the trial, participants need to be at least 65 years old, admitted to a medical unit, and have certain health measurements that indicate they could benefit from the walking program. Unfortunately, patients who are getting ready to go home quickly, have certain medical conditions, or need to stay in bed cannot join. If eligible, participants can expect to engage in supervised walking sessions during their hospital stay, which may help improve their strength and mobility. The study is currently looking for volunteers, and all genders are welcome to participate.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Participants must meet all of the inclusion criteria listed below to participate in this study:
• • 1. ≥65 years of age
• • 2. Admitted to a medical service
• • 3. Complete history and physical examination on file
• • 4. 6-Clicks score of 16-23
• • 5. Insurance with Traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Any patient meeting any of the exclusion criteria listed below at baseline will be excluded from study participation:
• • 1. Significant language barrier that requires a translator (other than Spanish at Baystate site only)
• • 2. Discharge planned for that day or the following day
• • 3. Observation status
• • 4. Surgical procedure planned
• • 5. Patients diagnosed with unstable angina or other medical conditions precluding participation in exercise/ambulation
• • 6. Permanent residence in a skilled nursing facility
• • 7. Comfort care measures only
• • 8. \>48 hours since admission
• • 9. Active infection with COVID-19
• • 10. Other active infection requiring contact or droplet precautions
• • 11. Order for bedrest