Community Park-Based Programs for Health Promotion: Active Older Adults Prospective Cohort Study

BEHAVIORAL

Active older Adults

The program entails one-hour sessions two or three times per week including aerobic workout, strength training, balance and flexibility exercise delivered online or in-person. Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation is the sponsor of the Active Older Adults prospective cohort study. Duke is conducting a secondary data analysis on data collected as part of the Active Older Adults study.

Change in Body mass index (height and weight)

Time frame: Baseline, 12 months, 36 months

Change in blood pressure

Time frame: Baseline, 12 months, 36 months

Change in arm strength

Time frame: Baseline, 12 months, 36 months

Participant arm strength is measured as the total number of arm curls performed in 30 seconds. Participants are seated in a chair while holding a dumbbell or cuff weight (5lb for women and 8lb for men) wrapped around their right or left wrist (the left wrist is employed when the right wrist is impractical).

Change in leg strength

Time frame: Baseline, 12 months, 36 months

Leg strength is assessed as the number of chair stands a person could complete in 30 seconds. For one chair stand, participants get up from their seats (with assistance if necessary) and then sit back down.

Change in mobility

Time frame: Baseline, 12 months, 36 months

Mobility is measured as the time spent in an Eight-Foot-Up-and-Go test. Participants start seated in a chair, and are instructed to stand up, quickly circle a cone placed eight feet in front of the chair, and then sit back down in the chair. The stopwatch will start when the person fully stands up from the chair and stops when the person sits back down into the chair (recorded in seconds).

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.