Implementing a patient-oriented pole walking intervention in retirement homes: A non-randomized feasibility trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Retirement home residents are at increased risk for falls and fractures.
• Physical activity interventions are crucial for maintaining function in older adults.
• Pole walking (PW) offers a low-impact exercise option with potential benefits for balance and strength.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and safety of a patient-oriented PW intervention in retirement homes.
• To evaluate preliminary changes in physical function and fall/fracture risk factors.
• To inform the design of a future randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Main Methods:

• A single-arm, non-randomized feasibility trial was conducted in four retirement homes.
• 17 residents participated in a 12-week supervised group PW intervention (3x/week).
• Feasibility was measured by recruitment, retention, adherence, and acceptability; safety by adverse events; and physical function via standardized tests.

Main Results:

• High feasibility was demonstrated with 88% retention and 90% adherence rates.
• Intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility scores were >4.0/5.
• Significant improvements were observed in functional balance (Timed Up & Go), lower-body strength (Chair Stand Test), physical functioning (SF-36), and forearm muscle area.

Conclusions:

• A patient-oriented pole walking intervention is feasible and safe for retirement home settings.
• The positive findings support the implementation of a larger randomized controlled trial.
• This intervention shows promise for improving physical function and reducing fall/fracture risks in older adults.