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Graves who lives independently has been participating in the six-month program two times a week since July and is sad to see the program end for her. \u201cThe program is wonderful and the people running it are amazing,\u201d says Graves. \u201cIt definitely made a difference, I have muscles now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The STEP-HI clinical trial is currently enrolling women over the age of 65 who have fractured a hip within six to twenty weeks.\u00a0 Study participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups.\u00a0 Two groups participate in supervised exercise training and are asked to apply a gel, daily while a third group is given exercises to do at home.<\/p>\n
In addition to the exercise training, all participants receive free vitamin D and calcium supplements, a mammogram, bone density tests, and transportation to and from UConn Health.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn top of all these benefits, participants love the added value of being watched closely by a team of healthcare professionals throughout the study,\u201d says Heather McAbee-Sevick, MS, the study coordinator and exercise interventionist at UConn Center on Aging.<\/p>\n
Lagassee, who was already in good shape found having the exercise interventionist is a big plus.\u00a0 \u201cThey provide full one on one attention for the entire session,\u201d she says.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThey are very encouraging and accommodating and will work with all situations to make sure you can do the program.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the isolation of older adults is at the forefront of our minds.<\/p>\n
Participation in the study has allowed the exercise interventionists to interact with participants, stay abreast of their medical needs, triage with their medical providers, and also strengthen them physically post-surgery.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo me, the social aspect is as equally important as the physical rehabilitation after such a traumatic injury. The added benefit of triaging with their doctors during days where telehealth has been the only option for a population that is not accustomed to technology, has been extremely helpful and beneficial in their overall recovery as well,\u201d says McAbee-Sevick.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never had any qualms about going during the pandemic, they were always so safe,\u201d says Graves.<\/p>\n
Both women\u2019s time in the study is concluding soon, and they both say they will miss it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope others are made aware of the program and take advantage of it,\u201d says Lagassee.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so wonderful, I can\u2019t say enough about the program,\u201d says Graves. \u201cYou get to know everyone and they are so great, even the drivers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have been so lucky to have the sweetest women in this study. It has made our \u2018job\u2019 feel like visiting family instead of working,\u201d says McAbee-Sevick. \u201cI miss them dearly once they\u2019re finished!\u201d<\/p>\n