The Sedentary to Active Rising to Thrive (START) Trial

Launched by JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH · Sep 1, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The START Trial is a study designed to help older adults who are at risk of becoming frail by encouraging them to be more active and reduce their sedentary time, which is the time spent sitting or being inactive. The trial is exploring two different ways to do this: one group will gradually replace 30 minutes of sitting with a single 30-minute light walk, while another group will break it up into three shorter, 10-minute walks throughout the day. Researchers want to see which method is easier to stick with over 60 days and whether being less sedentary can help participants feel better, reduce fatigue and stress, and improve their overall health.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be at least 65 years old and considered "pre-frail," which means they may have some signs like feeling tired, losing weight unintentionally, or being less active. They should also be willing to work up to walking for 30 minutes a day. However, individuals with certain health issues, such as diabetes or severe mobility problems, won't be able to participate. If you join the trial, you can expect to receive support and guidance as you work towards becoming more active, and you will be part of a friendly group aiming to improve your well-being together.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged ≥65 years
• * Pre-frail defined as having 1-2 of the following criteria:
• • Self-reported unintentional weight loss
• • Self-reported fatigue
• • Self-reported low activity
• • Slowness measured during a 4-m walking test
• • Weakness measured with grip strength
• • Self-reported regular physical activity \<20 minutes/day
• • Self-reported willingness to work up to walking for 30 minutes/day
• • Self-reported ability to find a place to walk for up to 30 minutes/day
• • Agree to all study procedures and assessments
• • Ability to provide informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Self-reported diabetes
• • Self-reported problems related to alcohol or drugs
• • Self-reported inability to walk across a room
• • Self-reported use of a walker
• • Self-reported requirement of medical supervision when engaging in physical activity
• • Fallen \>2 times in the past month
• • Participation in another clinical trial
• • Plan to move out of the area within 6 months
• • Inability to provide self-transportation to study assessment visits
• • Inability to complete a usual-paced 400m walking test within 15 minutes without sitting or the help of another
• • Uncontrolled resting hypertension (\>160/90 mmHg)
• • Cognitive impairment determined using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test