Falls are a major health risk for older Veterans, especially those with both obesity and low muscle mass or strength (sarcopenia), which together increase the chances of falling and losing independence. Many older Veterans have difficulty staying active and often lack information about how to safely exercise. While current guidelines focus mostly on weight loss, losing weight alone can weaken muscles and bones, which may actually raise the risk of falls and injuries. This study is testing the benefits of a virtual group exercise program combined with health education. The goal is to find out if exercise combined with health education is better at lowering fall risk and improving daily activity than health education alone for Veterans with obesity and signs of sarcopenia.
Veteran status
55 years or older
VA primary care provider
Enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System for health care
Poorly controlled hypertensin
Home oxygen use
Contraindications to exercise or resistance exercise
Significant cognitive impairment
Parallel
Fall prevention exercise
Other interventionParticipants will attend a virtual exercise-based group fall prevention class that focuses on movement and obstacle negotiation 3 times per week for 3 months.
Health promotion education
Other interventionParticipants will attend a virtual group health promotion education class that focuses on reasons to maintain a healthy lifestyle and local resources to support them in this. The sessions will take place 1 time per week for 3 months.
Balance
The four-square step test will be used as a measure of balance. The change in amount of time it takes to complete the four-square step test is compared pre and post intervention
Physical activity
Weekly minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity will be used as a measure of physical activity. The change in amount of weekly minutes is compared pre to post intervention.
Knee extension strength
A measure of the maximal isometric muscle strength produced in knee extensor muscles will be assessed with a handheld dynamometer device. Pre and post intervention levels will be compared.
Mobility
The timed up and go will be used as a measure of mobility. The change in amount of time it takes to complete the timed up and go test is compared pre to post intervention.
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