Stand if you can- A parallel, superiority cluster randomized controlled trial to improve gait speed for long term care residents

Objective: To examine the effects of a standing intervention on gait speed for older adults living in long term care (LTC) residences. Design: A parallel superiority cluster randomized controlled trial. Setting and participants: LTC residences. A total of 95 LTC residents (n = 47 control; n = 48 intervention) participated in the study. Methods: LTC residences and therefore the residents from the homes were randomized to either the intervention group (standing up to 100 minutes/week) for 22 weeks or the control group (socializing with staff with no encouragement to stand for up to 100 minutes/week) for 22 weeks. The primary outcome is gait speed measured by the 10-meter walking speed test. Results: A total of 95 participants (n= 47 in the control group and n=48 in the intervention group) age 86 ± 8 years completed the trial, averaging 41.9 ± 30.3 min of standing per week in the intervention group and 48.4 ± 22.8 min of time matched activity in the control group. There was no significant difference between groups in changes in gait speed (β=-0.034, 95 % C.I. (-0.097 0.028)). Conclusions and implications: This 22-week standing intervention did not improve gait speed in older adults living in LTC residences.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov - NCT03796039