Walk On! National Council on Aging Innovation Lab
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Summary
This is a multi-site, one-arm type-2 hybrid-effectiveness implementation trial. The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the Walk On! program helps prevent falls in older adults who have trouble moving around or feel socially isolated. Researchers want to know: 1. What are the best ways for organizations to offer the Walk On! program and keep it running for older adults in their community? 2. Does Walk On! help prevent falls in older adults? Older Adult Participants will: 1. Join group walking sessions led by a trained facilitator 2. Meet twice a week for 12 weeks (24 sessions) 3. Take part in simple tests before and after the program to see if there are any changes in older adults' function, confidence in not falling, or loneliness.
Description
Despite the clear benefits of walking for individuals at risk of mobility disability, no National Council on Aging (NCOA)-approved evidence-based health programs emphasize walking in a supervised setting, particularly over longer distances. While some programs offer chair exercise, balance, and yoga/tai chi, these do not focus on structured, progressive walking for older adults with limited mobility. Additionally, many older adults living in rural areas have described living in a "health desert" with limited access to evidence-informed health promotion programs. Walk On! is designed to provid…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Program Older Adult Participants: Inclusion Criteria: * Age greater than or equal to 60 years * Able to provide own transportation to the program each week * No planned extended travel or time away during the 12 week program period * English speaking with intact verbal and written communication skills * Free of current fracture * Able to ambulate independently, with or without an assistive device (i.e., cane or walker) Program Participants: Exclusion Criteria: * Serious or unstable medical or psychiatric condition that would prevent participation in research study * Lack of decision-making…
Interventions
- BehavioralWalk On! Program
24 sessions (twice weekly for 60 minutes over 12 weeks) with a focus on improving walking endurance, strength, and balance in older adults, including those with mobility limitations. All intervention activities will take place in person within a community setting. The intervention will be delivered by trained facilitators based at community-based organizations. All facilitators will receive comprehensive training and implementation support as part of this study.
Location
- Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, North Carolina