Band Together: Randomized Control Trial

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The study will aim to determine the effectiveness of a strength training program using resistance bands to increase strength in adults ≥65 years old

Detailed Description
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Older adults in the US are in a difficult situation that is historically unprecedented. People born in 1930 were expected to live to age 59, yet they will live to an average age of 79. These dramatic survival increases, due to immunizations, antibiotics and other innovations [Centers for Disease, 2011], have occurred at the same time as dramatic reductions in daily energy expenditures, due to automobiles, washing machines and other labor-saving devices [Archer, 2013]. This has left adults living longer, yet weaker, less fit and more obese. In fact, most residents of nursing homes are not there because of dementia. Only 40% of long-term care facility residents in 2010 were diagnosed with dementia [Caffrey, 2012] and many of whom had a level of dementia which would not require nursing home placement by itself. Most residents of long-term care facilities, rather, are there because they lack the strength and fitness to care for themselves. As baby boomers retire, these factors are anticipated to greatly increase the need for long-term care, highlighted in a report from a Deloitte Consulting in 2010: Medicaid Long-term Care: The ticking time bomb [Keckley, 2010]. This pilot study will measure a significant increase in strength with the use of a 12 week strength training program.

Official Title
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Band Together: Randomized Control Trial

Conditions
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Age 65 and Older, Strength Training

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Strength Training Program
* Behavioral: Usual Care


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Fluently read and speak English Willing to drive 3 times a week to Hershey Medical Center for most weeks Have a primary care physician Currently exercise ≤60 min per week Exclusion Criteria: Doctor has said you have a heart condition and should only do physical activity recommended by doctor Feel pain in chest when doing physical activity Unable to obtain doctor's consent Currently participating in an exercise program Plans to move in the next 6 months Weight > 250 Currently exercise ≥60 min per week

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Strength Training Group<br>Participants will meet three times a week for one hour strength training sessions for twelve weeks. | Behavioral: Strength Training Program<br>* The strength training program consists of 6 exercises using resistance bands three times a week<br>Behavioral: Usual Care<br>* Will continue daily physical activity and complete surveys online<br>|
| Active Comparator: Usual Care<br>Participants will be given access to the strength training program after the twelve week study ends. | Behavioral: Usual Care<br>* Will continue daily physical activity and complete surveys online<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One Repetition Maximum |  | 12 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bow and Arrow Strength Test |  | 12 weeks | 
| Hand Grip Test |  | 12 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Physical Activity