RecruitingACTRN12625000164493

Falls Risk prevention in older persons with blood cancer (Stepping On Project)

Examining the feasibility of a multifaceted falls prevention program for older people with haematological cancer: a mixed methods study

Sponsor

Sydney Local Health District

Enrollment

28 participants

Start Date

Jan 17, 2025

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Accidental Falls

Summary

This study aims to assess the feasibility of delivering a caner-specific Stepping On program for older individuals who have recently completed or are receiving treatment for hematological cancer. Who is it for? You may be eligible to join this study if you are aged 65 years and older (45 years or older if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander). You are either currently undergoing or have recently completed treatment for hematological cancer and who are considered by their hematologist to be suitable to participate in the Stepping On program will be invited to participate. Study details All participants who meet the eligibility criteria in this study will undertake the 7-week Stepping On program that includes 2-hour attendance each week and a 2-hour booster session 2-months after completion of week 7. During and after the program you will be assessed for patient experience, leg strength and balance, program attendance and program related evaluation. It is hoped that this research project will assess whether the Stepping On program can be adapted for the specific needs of older adults receiving treatment for a blood cancer.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 65 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Older people with blood cancer — such as leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma — are at a higher risk of falling due to the effects of the disease and its treatments on muscle strength, balance, and coordination. Falls can cause serious injury and significantly affect quality of life during an already challenging time. This study is adapting a proven falls prevention program called Stepping On — which normally runs over 7 weeks with booster sessions — specifically for older adults with blood cancer. The program involves group sessions focused on exercise, home safety, and reducing fall risk. Researchers want to find out whether the adapted program is practical and acceptable for this population. You may be eligible if you are 65 or older (or 45 or older if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), have a blood cancer diagnosis, are currently receiving treatment or have completed treatment in the last 12 months, can walk safely at home without a walking frame, and your haematologist considers you to be at risk of falling. Residents of the community or retirement villages are eligible.

This is a simplified summary. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

This study, specifically for older patients with hematological cancer, will incorporate cancer-specific experts in the education sessions of the Stepping On Program. The 7-week Stepping On program

This study, specifically for older patients with hematological cancer, will incorporate cancer-specific experts in the education sessions of the Stepping On Program. The 7-week Stepping On program is a free program that includes 2-hour attendance each week and a 2-hour booster session 2-months after completion of week 7. Attendance is face-to-face in groups up to 14. The first hour focuses on gentle, balance and leg strengthening exercises including sitting knee strengthening, standing side hip strengthening, calf raises, sideways walk, heel toe walking, and sit to stand exercises. The second hour on specialist education session from experts on topics that are known to have an impact on falls risk in older people (road safety officer, a physiotherapist, a dietitian, a podiatrist, a pharmacist, and an occupational therapist). The education sessions will cover topics such as: benefits of exercise and moving about safely; home fall hazards; community safety and footwear; vision, vitamins and transport safety; and medication management. Where appropriate, cancer-specific experts will provide the specialist education sessions (e.g., diet, and managing medications). Weekly feedback and attendance will be recorded.