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

## TL;DR

A 22-week standing intervention did not improve walking speed in older adults living in long-term care residences.

## Contribution

A cluster randomized trial tested a standing intervention's effect on gait speed in LTC residents.

## Key findings

- The standing intervention did not significantly improve gait speed compared to a control activity.
- Participants in the intervention group stood an average of 41.9 minutes per week.
- No significant difference in gait speed changes was observed between groups.

## Abstract

To examine the effects of a standing intervention on gait speed for older adults living in long term care (LTC) residences.

A parallel superiority cluster randomized controlled trial.

LTC residences. A total of 95 LTC residents (n = 47 control; n = 48 intervention) participated in the study.

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.

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)).

This 22-week standing intervention did not improve gait speed in older adults living in LTC residences.

Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov - NCT03796039