Physical Deconditioning

The overall purpose of this study is to develop a power training intervention in partnership with Veterans participating in Gerofit and to evaluate the program's acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary participant outcomes (leg power, physical function and self-report participation).

This study investigates low-load, cuff-assisted training to improve mitochondrial capacity. The intervention is carried out using automated pressure cuffs, applying an individualized pressure of 70% of the limb occlusion pressure. This approach reflects the current scientific consensus for safe and effective use in clinical populations. Within a rehabilitation setting, two training modalities are compared: intermittent strength training and alternating continuous endurance training. Muscle oxygen saturation is measured non-invasively using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Medically complex older Veterans are at greater risk for progressive declines in physical function, lower quality of life, and increasing care needs. Additionally, older Veterans experience social isolation and loneliness, and have low levels of physical activity. While the Veterans Health Administration has established programs to address rehabilitation needs, these programs tend to be diagnosis-focused, lack self-management approaches, include low-intensity rehabilitation, and typically require in-person attendance. A MultiComponent TeleRehabilitation (MCTR) program that includes high-intensity rehabilitation and self-management interventions, social support, and telehealth and technology supports may be more effective in improving and sustaining physical function for older Veterans with complex health conditions. Therefore, this project is designed to determine whether the MCTR program improves strength and physical function more effectively than traditional interventions.