We have just recently completed a study called MoveStrong at Home. This study is being led by Master’s student Ellen Wang, and Principal Investigator Lora Giangregorio, through the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. We are no longer recruiting for this project.
Why is the study being done?
We lose muscle mass and strength as we age. Exercise can help maintain muscle and improve balance. Eating the right kinds of foods to support muscle is also important. However, getting enough physical activity and protein can be a challenge, especially with mandated social distancing practices. Alternate ways to promote safe exercise and proper nutrition are more needed than ever before.
We want to evaluate if it is possible to deliver exercise and nutrition education over the phone or computer for older adults who have health conditions and are losing weight or have concerns with fatigue or mobility. We want to understand what works well and what doesn’t. We also want to see if the MoveStrong program can improve mobility, physical activity levels, diet, mental health and quality of life.
Who should participate in the study?
Our study will recruit 25 older adults in Ontario. You are eligible to participate if you:
- are age 60 or over,
- speak English,
- have fatigue, recent unexplained weight loss, or difficulties with stairs or walking long distances,
- have 1 or more diagnosed conditions (arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, obesity, osteoporosis, stroke).
What can you expect as a participant?
The study takes place over 12 weeks (about 3 months). You do not need to leave your house to participate in the study. You can choose to communicate with us via telephone, or online using your computer, or a little of both – it is up to you.
We will complete assessments of your health, physical activity, physical function and nutrition over the phone or computer at the beginning of the study, after the 8-week intervention, and one month later (12-weeks).
You will be asked to participate in phone or online sessions to learn about exercise and nutrition. The exercise sessions will be led by an exercise physiologist, who will select exercises for you, answer any questions you may have, and monitor your progress or any illnesses or injuries you experience during the study. The private exercise sessions will happen twice per week to start, with each session lasting 30min. As progress is made, you will continue to receive one private session each week. You will be encouraged to exercise independently, outside of these structured sessions. If attending by phone, we will make alternative arrangements.
You will receive nutrition and exercise education materials in the mail or via email. At weeks 2, 4, and 6 of the study, you will be invited to attend a phone or online group seminar by a dietitian to learn about nutrition and protein intake. An optional support group will take place on weeks 3, 5 & 7 of the study.
If you would like to learn more about participating in the study, please contact: Ellen Wang
This study has been reviewed by, and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.