This patient-oriented, multi-site study aims to co-design and test a pole walking program with resident and staff representatives from participating independent living and retirement communities. The first part of the study (feasibility phase) is a single-group trial designed to answer the main question: Is the pole walking program feasible in these settings? In this phase, all participants will take part in the program. The second part of the study (pilot phase) is a two-group randomized trial that will assess whether the program helps improve physical activity, physical function, body composition, fear of falling, and health-related quality of life, while also reducing sedentary time (time spent sitting or being inactive) in older adults living in independent living and retirement communities. Communities will be randomly assigned to either start the program right away or join a wait-list control group. The program will include supervised group sessions held at the participating communities, 2-3 times per week, for 20-60 minutes each session, over a 12-week period. Sessions will take place outdoors when possible, or indoors if the weather is not suitable. After follow-up assessments are complete, participants in the control group will also be offered the pole walking program at their communities.
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Feasibility of pole walking intervention - consent rate
Timeframe: After the completion of the study's feasibility phase (1 year)
Feasibility of pole walking intervention - recruitment rate
Timeframe: After the completion of the study's feasibility phase (1 year)
Feasibility of pole walking intervention - retention rate
Timeframe: After the completion of the study's feasibility phase (1 year)
Feasibility of pole walking intervention - attendance rate
Timeframe: After the completion of the study's feasibility phase (1 year)
Feasibility of pole walking intervention - intervention acceptability score
Timeframe: Follow-up assessment sessions (after the 12-week intervention of the study's feasibility phase)
Feasibility of pole walking intervention - intervention appropriateness score
Timeframe: Follow-up assessment sessions (after the 12-week intervention of the study's feasibility phase)
Feasibility of pole walking intervention - intervention feasibility score
Timeframe: Follow-up assessment sessions (after the 12-week intervention of the study's feasibility phase)
Physical function - functional balance/mobility
Timeframe: Baseline and follow-up assessment sessions (before and after the 12-week intervention of the study's feasibility and pilot phases)
Physical function - lower-body strength
Timeframe: Baseline and follow-up assessment sessions (before and after the 12-week intervention of the study's feasibility and pilot phases)
Health-related quality of life
Timeframe: Baseline and follow-up assessment sessions (before and after the 12-week intervention of the study's feasibility and pilot phases)