The goal of this study is to test whether psychological, social, and physical health outcomes of older adults living with type 2 diabetes and frailty are improved when participating in the Band-Frail Program.
Individuals considered fragile or frail and living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a 5-fold increased risk of being moved to a long-term care facility and a 4-fold increased risk of an emergency department visit. In 2013, the Mid-Frail study found that 16 weeks of combined exercise, diet, and education intervention significantly improved functional abilities in older adults living with T2D and frailty. The goal of The Band-Frail Study is to implement an adapted version of the Mid-Frail program in New Brunswick (NB), while ensuring its sustainability by leveraging existing resources in the future as NB has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Canada and one of the highest average age of residents. This project will include adults aged 65 years and above living with T2D and frailty across the province of New Brunswick (NB). Participants will meet in groups of 4-8 people twice a week for 16 weeks. One session will consist of diabetes management education delivered by a Certified Diabetes Educator and elastic band resistance training, while the second session will only involve the elastic band resistance training. Participants will undergo pre- and post-testing including questionnaires, physical function tests, and interviews to assess the viability of this program in the province and determine the physical and psychological benefits.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
203
Participants will complete 16 weeks of elastic band resistance training and diabetes management education. Exercise Component: The elastic band resistance training involves 12 exercises: chair sit-to-stands, seated chest press, seater upper back reverse fly, seated single arm row, seated single arm lateral raise, seated single arm bicep curl, seated single arm triceps extension, seated single leg quadriceps extension, standing hamstring curl, standing leg extension, and seated abdominal crunches. There will be a one-minute rest between each set and a self-determined rest period between exercises. Education Component: A certified Diabetes Educator and registered dietitian will present information to participants covering topics relating to T2D management and nutritional information.
University of New Brunswick- Faculty of Kinesiology
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Physical Functioning
Physical functioning will be measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The SPPB is a three-part standardized test including balance, gait, and chair stand components each scored out of 4 points for a total possible score ranging from 0 to 12 points. A higher SPPB score suggests high levels of physical functioning, while a lower SPPB score suggests functional limitations.
Time frame: 16 weeks
Frailty Status
Frailty status will be measured using Fried's Frailty Scale. The scale includes five frailty criteria: unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slowness, and weak grip strength. Participants will be scored in each of the five criteria and then given a cumulative score ranging from 0 to 5 to represent their frailty status. Participants who score three or more criteria will be considered frail, individuals who score one or two criteria will be considered pre-frail, and those who score zero criteria will be considered robust (non-frail).
Time frame: 16 weeks
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