TIME™ at Home Randomized Controlled Trial

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO · Jan 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The TIME™ at Home Randomized Controlled Trial is studying a special online exercise program designed to help adults who have trouble with balance and mobility. The goal is to see if this 8-week program can improve physical health, mental well-being, and even how caregivers feel, compared to people who wait to start the program. Participants will be evaluated using video calls on Zoom at the beginning of the study and again 2 and 5 months later. They will have their balance and walking tested, while caregivers will fill out questionnaires about their experiences.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be 18 years or older, have some mobility limitations (like needing a walking aid or having difficulty with stairs), and live independently. They should also be able to walk a short distance without help and maintain their balance while exercising. It’s important that participants have a caregiver or family member who can help during the study. If you or someone you know is interested in improving mobility and overall health while participating in a supportive group from home, this trial may be a great opportunity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. adult defined as age 18 years or older;
• • 2. mobility limitations (eg, need to use a walking aid, difficulty stepping onto curbs, ramps, stairs, or walk on uneven surfaces);
• • 3. living independently in the community (in own home or assisted living settings);
• • 4. able to walk a minimum of 10 metres independently (with walking aids if used) without assistance and/or supervision from another person;
• • 5. able to stand up from and sit down onto a chair independently, without supervision;
• • 6. able to maintain balance while exercising in standing (e.g., marching on the spot) holding onto the back of a chair or a sturdy countertop;
• • 7. has a study partner (e.g., caregiver, family member or friend) willing to be present, at minimum, during the first evaluation in the home via Zoom;
• • 8. able to speak and read English to understand informed consent and follow instructions for study procedures and exercises;
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. involvement in another formal exercise or rehabilitation program in the next 2 months;
• • 2. previous participation in the TIME at Home exercise program;
• • 3. health conditions or symptoms preventing participation in exercise;
• • 4. cognitive impairment, defined as a score of \<11/15 on the 5-minute Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA);
• • 5. severe visual impairment;
• • 6. severe hearing impairment
• • Caregivers
• Inclusion criteria:
• • 1. caregiver defined as an individual who helps the exercise participant to live at home by providing support and assistance with at least one basic (e.g., self-care) and/or instrumental activity of daily living (e.g., doing groceries, cleaning, managing finances, making meals, doing laundry, etc.) at least once a week;
• • 2. able to speak and read English.
• Exclusion criteria:
• • 1. Is a paid personal support worker.