Multimodel Exercise and Weight Loss in Older Obese Veterans With Dysmobility

Note: Study has been completed, enrollment and study interventions were severely impacted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) Older obese adults suffer disproportionately from walking mobility limitations. Sedentary, obese older adults are at an increased risk for having or developing difficulties with mobility. These individuals are often excluded from studies due to their advanced mobility limitations. A number of studies have compared the effects of weight loss alone, exercise alone, or weight loss in combination with exercise on functional performance in older adults, but none of the studies have specifically targeted subjects who use walking assistive devices. The purpose of this study is to test the effects of a 12 month multi-modal exercise rehabilitation intervention with a nutrition program versus a nutrition program only on fitness, functional performance, mobility, and muscle mass. The results of this study will lead to new and more effective interventions that could reduce disability, fall risk, injury-related hospitalization and death in older Veterans.