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Does training family to help with physiotherapy improve falls related self efficacy, physical activity and quality of life for older people transitioning from hospital to the community?

Does training family to help with physiotherapy improve falls related self efficacy, physical activity and quality of life for older people transitioning from hospital to the community?

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12616000565448
Enrollment
35
Registered
2016-05-02
Start date
2016-12-23
Completion date
2018-05-22
Last updated
2021-02-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

This randomised controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of training family to help with physiotherapy for older people. It will formalise ad hoc arrangements of involving family in physiotherapy, and identify whether this approach is safe and effective for frail older people who have been in hospital, have become weak, and need time and support to get back on their feet. We will measure improvements in physical activity levels, as well as confidence with walking, and quality of life.

Interventions

In addition to standard physiotherapy provided by physiotherapists within Transition Care, the experimental group will receive therapy from a family member, who will receive training and supervision from a research physiotherapist. Therapy will be tailored specifically to the individual, with their mobility or other goals in mind. Elements of therapy may include transfer practice, walking or simple strengthening or balance exercises considered safe for the family member to assist with.The involv

In addition to standard physiotherapy provided by physiotherapists within Transition Care, the experimental group will receive therapy from a family member, who will receive training and supervision from a research physiotherapist. Therapy will be tailored specifically to the individual, with their mobility or other goals in mind. Elements of therapy may include transfer practice, walking or simple strengthening or balance exercises considered safe for the family member to assist with.The involvement of the family member is also considered part of the intervention. Participants (caregivers providing therapy) will receive up to four 30-60 minute face-to-face appointments with the physiotherapist to learn to provide therapy and monitor progress and any concerns the patient or caregiver may have. The family members will also receive contact via telephone or text message as required and according to patient and caregiver preference - over a period of four weeks, to provide support, monitor progress and answer any questions that may arise. Adherence to exercise will be measured using a paper exercise diary.

Sponsors

Professor Nora Shields
Lead SponsorIndividual

Study design

Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

Patients: - Admitted to Transition Care Program - Able to stand with one assistant - Able to follow single stage instructions - Availability of a willing, eligible family member or friend - Basic English comprehension Family members: - Aged 18 years or older - Available to assist with therapy at least three times weekly - Physically fit assessed by self-report - English comprehension

Exclusion criteria

Patients will be excluded if they do not have a family member or friend able to participate, or if they are unable to stand without more than one person to assist.

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Feb 21, 2026