Physical therapy may be able to help make your holiday season better. There is no better time than the holiday season to reflect on the things that matter most, to share your time with those you love, and to cherish the best moments of your life. Whether it is wanting to bake cookies with your family, enjoy a brisk walk in the winter air, or spend evenings with friends, the warmth of the holidays can unearth the desire to improve your health and be present for these moments.

Committing to change is never easy and finding a program that fits your routine can be overwhelming, especially in the busyness of the holiday season. If you are having difficulties starting or continuing with a wellness program, a structured physical therapy regimen may be able to help you.

Our Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center team is working through Eastern Colorado VA on the Medically Complex Telerehabilitation Program. We have launched a research study to test how a 12-week telehealth physical therapy program improves the lives of Veterans. Our approach combines progressive rehabilitation, coaching and social support to help Veterans reach their health and wellness goals.

Most of our research team has dual appointments with the University of Colorado and the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System. Our clinical partners are physical therapists at Eastern Colorado VA.

Physical therapy via telehealth in your home

If you choose to participate, all physical therapy would be provided via telehealth or video calls, in the comfort of your own home. Your potential participation will help us learn about which parts of the program are helpful and for whom the program works. The goal of the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center is to use the knowledge that you help provide to improve care for other Veterans.

What are fellow Veterans saying about the program?

“I enjoyed it and it really was a really outstanding program.”

“I went from a couch potato to an active adult.”

“My mobility changed dramatically. The whole thing, not just walking. Standing, sitting… and that’s key to me. It gave me some independence I didn’t have.”

To be eligible, you must be 60 years of age or older and have some need for physical therapy. For example, you may have a hard time moving around you house or community, or you have general weakness or feel unsteady on your feet.

More information

Click here to learn more about the research study.

Click here to learn more about VA Research.

Interested?

If you are interested and want more information, reach out to our team at:  PT.studies@cuanschutz.edu

What we need from you?

  1. Willingness and availability to participate in therapy two to three times per week for 12 weeks
  2. Willingness to participate in all visits through VA Video Connect (telehealth video visits)
  3. Ability to commit to 24 weeks (about six months) to complete all data collection for the program

You may not be eligible if you have a medical condition that would make exercise unsafe. Final determination of eligibility will be made by research staff.

Topics in this story

physical therapy

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16 Comments

  1. Joseph McClellan November 1, 2022 at 12:48

    I GIVE UP!
    How do I join?

    • Michelle November 9, 2022 at 19:14

      Hi Joseph,

      Thank you for your interest. If you haven’t already, please send us an email at PT.studies@cuanschutz.edu. We will be in touch with more information.

      Thank you,
      Michelle

  2. Joseph McClellan November 1, 2022 at 12:42

    I would like to participate in this study.

  3. Max Cole October 30, 2022 at 18:09

    They took me off of home health physical therapy too soon I still have some serious balance problems along with everything else I’ve got going on

  4. Billie Zedicher October 28, 2022 at 20:45

    I would like to participate in this study. Billie Zedicher

    77yr 65-9 USAF retired legs bad esp knees on down

    • Michelle November 9, 2022 at 19:13

      Hi Billie,

      Thank you for your interest. If you haven’t already, please send us an email at PT.studies@cuanschutz.edu, and we will be in touch.

      Thank you,
      Michelle

  5. THOMAS CHAFFIN October 28, 2022 at 10:31

    WEAK AND WOBBLE AND NEED HELP
    THANKS TC

    • Max Cole October 30, 2022 at 18:12

      They took me off of home health physical therapy too soon I still have some serious balance problems along with everything else I’ve got going on it took them forever to get me portable oxygen so I can get out of the house and walk without dragging a dam me big ass tank around

      • Michelle November 9, 2022 at 19:13

        Hi Max & Thomas-

        If you both are interested, please send us an email at PT.studies@cuanschutz.edu.

        Thank you,
        Michelle

  6. Larry Doff October 27, 2022 at 18:16

    Sign me up.

    84 years old, no major health problems, chronic neck and shoulder pain from in-service 93 parachute jumps, physically and mentally active.

  7. NL October 27, 2022 at 01:49

    Can none veteran spouse participate?

    • Michelle October 27, 2022 at 12:34

      Hi NL- If I’m understanding correctly, your questions is can a Veteran’s spouse participate? This study is only for Veterans, so unless the spouse is also a Veteran, we are not able to enroll him or her.

  8. Timothy Johnson October 24, 2022 at 18:26

    Is this research study paid or compensated in some way? I will only participate if there is compensation.

    • Michelle October 26, 2022 at 15:17

      Hi Timothy- there is no monetary compensation for the study. Those who participate in the study receive a Fitbit

  9. David Fessel October 24, 2022 at 17:37

    I understand the study is for age 60 and older, but is a program like this available for other ages?

    • Michelle October 26, 2022 at 15:20

      Hi David- I am not aware of similar programs for other ages. Each VA location has different programs so I would encourage you to reach out to either your primary care physician or social worker. Your local Whole Health program may also have some great resources.

Comments are closed.

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