Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of low-intensity physical activity for frail older adults: Promoting seniors' health with home care aides (Pro-Home)

Regular participation in physical activity benefits older adults physically and mentally. However, the availability and assessment of physical activity programs that are safe and appropriate for homebound older adults at risk for nursing home admission are limited. Here we describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial that examines the effectiveness of a gentle physical activity program. Delivered by home care aides who regularly help hard-to-reach older home care clients with housekeeping and routine personal care services in the home, this program is implemented in a real-world context of caregiver-client dyads in a Medicaid-funded home care program. The trial uses a two-group repeated measures design (baseline, Month 4, and Month 8) with 300 pairs of eligible home care clients and their home care aides. The results from this trial could provide evidence and guidelines for a new model of home care, which would facilitate the working together of older home care clients and their home care aides to maintain or improve the functional status of nursing home-eligible older adults.