Protocol for a Low Threshold Exercise Intervention for Women Experiencing Homelessness and Addiction.

Summary

Background: Frailty is a complex multi-dimensional state of increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes and is usually associated with older age but there is growing evidence of accelerated ageing and frailty in non-geriatric populations, including those experiencing socio-economic deprivation and extreme social exclusion, such as people experiencing homelessness. Addiction, as a coping mechanism for prior trauma, is common among people who are homeless and can have a gendered dimension. Women experiencing homelessness and addiction have unique needs which require a gendered approach. The aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness of an exercise intervention to target the known physical functioning deficits and frailty which this population experiences.

Methods: This mixed-methods study will explore physical functioning deficits and frailty in women experiencing homelessness and addiction, using a bespoke test battery and an exercise intervention. Physical function (10m Walk Test, 2 Minute Walk Test, Single Leg Stance Test, Chair Stand Test, hand grip dynamometry), frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale and the SHARE-FI) and nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Status), pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale) and quality of life (SF 12-V2) will be evaluated. The intervention will involve a 3-times weekly exercise programme with protein supplementation for 10 weeks. Following this, qualitative interviews, which will be thematically analysed using Braun \& Clarke methodology, will be conducted. This study will be conducted in Dublin from February to July 2024.

Discussion: Little is kn own about frailty-focussed interventions in women experiencing homelessness and addiction. This proposed study will help to increase the knowledge base regarding the physical health burden and frailty experienced by this extremely vulnerable population and will deliver a targeted intervention with a gendered dimension to mitigate its affects. The findings of this research will help narrow this research gap and will guide clinicians and policy makers to implement unique gender-based treatment strategies for this population.

Conditions

• Social Exclusion
• Chronic Disease
• Physical Disability
• Addiction

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Exercise

three times weekly exercise intervention with protein supplementation

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Dublin, Trinity College

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Julie Broderick, PhD · Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-02-26

Primary Completion

2024-07-31

Completion

2024-07-31

Countries

• Ireland

Study Locations