A Pilot to Evaluate the Feasibility and Efficacy of a Multifaceted Rehabilitation Intervention

A Pilot to Evaluate the Feasibility and Efficacy of a Multifaceted Rehabilitation Intervention

The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of multifaceted rehabilitation program in Veterans 65 years and older. This study will also examine the neuromuscular and cognitive attributes that contribute to clinically meaningful improvements in mobility; and determine whether a novel mode of cognitive training can enhance cognition among mobility limited primary care Veterans 65 years and older.

This study is a randomized control pilot study. All participants will receive rehabilitative exercise addressing mobility skills. In addition, one group will be will receive additional cognitive training. Randomization is stratified according to screening mobility and cognitive score.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 65-90
• History of fall in the past year OR difficulty or task modification with climbing one flight of stairs or walking ½ mile (6 blocks)
• Community Dwelling
• Ability to speak and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of a terminal disease (e.g. receiving hospice services, metastatic cancer
• Major medical problem interfering with safe and successful testing (i.e. history of hip replacement with recurrent dislocation; uncontrolled hypertension, use of supplemental oxygen
• Myocardial infarction or major surgery in previous 3 months
• Planned major surgery (e.g. joint replacement)
• Baseline Short Physical Performance Battery Score <4 or >10
• Modified Mini Mental Status Examination score of ≤77 out of 100
• Inability to safely complete the 400 meter walk test