IFAS Awarded $500,000 Contract from AHRQ to Study Disability

Posted: June 4, 2008

Multiple randomized studies have shown the benefits for seniors of physical activity interventions such as resistance and endurance exercises on a number of performance measures including walking speed, balance and ability to stand from a chair. These studies have shown that if given an exercise program matched to their needs, the onset and progression of disability can be decreased among persons who are identified at high risk of disability. However, most data supporting the beneficial effect of exercise in old age have not been from "real world" provider settings in which older adults live and function day-to-day. Thus, it is not known if screening for disability and implementing an exercise program among high risk elders can be effectively implemented in residential settings in a manner that not only promotes health and prevents disability, but that is also attractive to providers from a business standpoint and that can be incorporated into typical staffing patterns.

The American Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (AAHSA) has been awarded a contract from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which will allow its research division, the Institute for the Future of Aging Services (IFAS) to conduct a clinical trial to accelerate translation of research on exercise in old age into practice in continuing care retirement communities (CCRC). The trial will screen CCRC residents for disability using a short set of performance measures called the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). After identification of persons at risk for disability, 300 CCRC residents will be enrolled into to a program of moderate exercise or an active control arm focused on general wellness. The primary study endpoint is the SPPB score and secondary endpoints include falls, hospitalizations, and nursing home admissions.

A key feature of the project is that it extends findings from controlled clinical studies into routine practice in the CCRC setting. This represents true translation of research into practice, and will offer providers an evidence base upon which to make informed decisions. This project is a collaboration among AAHSA, the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society (GSS), Tufts University and the National Institute on Aging.

For more information contact: Helaine Resnick