Considerations for assessing physical function and physical activity in clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic

Virtual Assessment Protocols for Timed-Up-and-Go, 5-Repetition Chair Rise, and 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Tests in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Investigating Feasibility, Reliability, and Validity

OBJECTIVE

To develop and evaluate virtual assessment protocols for the Timed-Up-and-Go usual and fast pace, Chair Rise-5 repetition, and the 1-minute Sit-to-Stand tests and examine their feasibility, reliability, and validity.

DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study, where participants engaged in up to 2 virtual assessments and data were collected prospectively for 1 year.

SETTING

Assessments took place in participants' homes in the community. Toolkits were delivered that included the required equipment and internet-enabled tablet.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included a random sample of adults ≥65 years old who could walk 10 m without assistance from another person and communicate in English.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Falls and health care utilization data were collected for 1 year after initial assessments. Descriptive data were used to examine feasibility; intraclass correlation (ICC), and Pearson's/Spearman's correlation and areas under the curve (AUCs) were used to evaluate reliability and validity, respectively.

RESULTS

Sixty participants (mean age 76.6±5.6; 55% female) completed visit 1 and 52 completed visit 2. Technology issues were relatively common, yet no safety incidents occurred. All the virtual mobility tests demonstrated excellent test-retest (ICCs=0.86-0.95) and inter-rater (ICC=0.98-0.99) reliability. The tests had weak-to-moderate correlations with measures of physical function (r=-0.14 to -0.43) and physical activity (r=-0.19 to 0.32). Fifty-seven total falls were recorded by 28 participants (46%) over 1 year. The virtual mobility tests did not have adequate accuracy for predicting falls (AUCs=0.53-0.59), specialist (AUCs=0.48-0.60), family doctor (AUCs=0.48-0.59), or rehabilitation professional visits (AUCs=0.65-0.67), or hospitalizations (AUCs=0.56-0.63).

CONCLUSION

Results support the feasibility and reliability of virtual administration of the Timed-Up-and-Go usual and fast pace, Chair Rise-5 repitition, and 1-minute Sit-to-Stand tests. Clinicians and researchers can use the included manuals to conduct these tests virtually. Future research should examine the clinical utility of these tests for remote monitoring and mobility assessment.

The Association Between Patient-Level Factors and Physical Function in Lung Transplant Recipients

Purpose

Despite the dramatic improvement in pulmonary function after lung transplantation, lung transplant recipients often have reduced physical function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between physical function and a wide range of patient-level factors among lung transplant recipients to allow researchers and healthcare providers to identify and better understand contributors to poor physical function.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of lung transplant recipients enrolled in Lung Transplant Go (LTGO), a randomized, controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a telerehabilitation behavioral exercise intervention on physical function. Data were collected at the time of study enrollment for physical function using 30-second sit-to-stand test (STS-30), and patient-level factors: discharge destination, time since transplant, hospital length of stay, participation in exercise program outside the study, comorbidities, psychological distress, and symptoms. Regression analysis was performed to identify the association between physical function and patient-level factors.

Results

A total of 72 lung transplant recipients with a mean age of 56 (13), 58% male, and 88% white, completed the STS-30. The bivariate analysis identified factors associated with STS-30, which are age, marital status, time since transplant, Questionnaire for Lung Transplant Patients' activity intolerance subscale, and psychological distress. Factors significantly predicted STS-30 using the regression analysis were age, time since transplant, and psychological distress (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

Age, time since lung transplantation, and psychological distress significantly predicted poor physical function. Interventions to prevent poor physical function post-lung transplantation should consider these factors. Research is needed to better understand patient-level factors on other physical function measures.

Statistical analysis of actigraphy data with generalised additive models

There is a growing interest in the use of physical activity data in clinical studies, particularly in diseases that limit mobility in patients. High-frequency data collected with digital sensors are typically summarised into actigraphy features aggregated at epoch level (e.g., by minute). The statistical analysis of such volume of data is not straightforward. The general trend is to derive metrics, capturing specific aspects of physical activity, that condense (say) a week worth of data into a single numerical value. Here we propose to analyse the entire time-series data using Generalised Additive Models (GAMs). GAMs are semi-parametric models that allow inclusion of both parametric and non-parametric terms in the linear predictor. The latter are smooth terms (e.g., splines) and, in the context of actigraphy minute-by-minute data analysis, they can be used to assess daily patterns of physical activity. This in turn can be used to better understand changes over time in longitudinal studies as well as to compare treatment groups. We illustrate the application of GAMs in two clinical studies where actigraphy data was collected: a non-drug, single-arm study in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and a physical-activity sub-study included in a phase 2b clinical trial in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A Comprehensive Exercise (COMEX) Intervention to Optimize Exercise Participation for Improving Patient-Centered Outcomes and Physical Functioning in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: Development and Pilot Testing

Rationale & Objective

To address the need for an intradialytic exercise program that is easily delivered in clinical setting, engaging and scalable, we developed a novel COMprehensive EXercise (COMEX) program based on input from patients receiving hemodialysis (HD), dialysis staff members and nephrologists. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility, safety, and acceptance of COMEX during HD.

Study Design

Single-arm prospective pilot feasibility study.

Setting & Participants

Seventeen patients receiving in-center HD.

Intervention

Three-month participation in the COMEX program, which included video-based dialysis chair exercises (aerobic and resistance) integrated with educational and motivational components.

Outcomes

Data on recruitment, adherence, safety and acceptability were collected. Additional assessments were performed to evaluate changes in physical functioning, patient-reported symptoms, and objectively measured sleep and physical activity. We also examined the feasibility of obtaining skeletal muscle biopsies and blood samples to explore molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy and to assess platelet mitochondrial function and adaptation to exercise during HD.

Results

Thirteen of the 17 (76%) participants completed the 3-month intervention. The mean participant age was 63.6 ± 15.1 years. In total, 46% of participants were males, and 55% were White. The mean body mass index was 38.7 ± 11.6 kg/m2. There were no reported adverse effects, and the adherence rate to exercise sessions was high with 88% of the sessions completed. Patient satisfaction was high, as 100% of the patients would recommend the program to other dialysis patients. It was feasible to collect data on physical functioning, patient-reported symptoms, and objective sleep and physical activity and to obtain muscle biopsies and blood samples.

Limitations

Small sample size, lack of an onsite exercise professional, and technological issues with telemedicine behavioral motivation.

Conclusions

The COMEX intradialytic exercise intervention is safe and acceptable to patients, and outcome measures were feasible to obtain. Future studies should consider including exercise professionals to facilitate progression through a personalized exercise protocol.

Funding Source

This work is supported by pilot award from P30 DK079307 (PI, Jhamb).

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03055299.

Plain-Language Summary

We tested a new COMprehensive EXercise (COMEX) program to deliver exercise during dialysis. This 3-month program included video-based dialysis chair exercises (aerobic and resistance) integrated with educational and motivational components. Our study shows COMEX was feasible, had high satisfaction and adherence, and was safe. It was feasible to collect data on physical functioning, patient-reported symptoms, and objective sleep and physical activity and to obtain muscle biopsies and blood samples. Future studies should consider including exercise professionals to facilitate progression through a personalized exercise protocol.

Feasibility of Conducting Sit-to-Stand Tests Using Video Consultation

Objective

This study is aimed at ascertaining the feasibility of conducting the 1-minute sit-to-stand (1MSTS) and 30-second sit-to-stand (30SSTS) tests for healthy participants via video consultation. A secondary aim was to compare the relationship between the 1MSTS and 30SSTS.

Methods

A total of 63 participants were recruited via the Singapore Institute of Technology emails and social media in 2020 during the peak of COVID-19. Prior to the sit-to-stand testing, all participants completed the consent form and physical activity questionnaires. Anthropometric data such as height and weight were also collected prior to testing. An instructional video detailing the sit-to-stand (STS) movement and the requirements for the environment set-up were sent to the participants via email. All STS tests were conducted virtually via the Zoom application. Healthy participants aged 21 to 55 years old performed a 1MSTS and 30SSTS each in random order.

Results

All recruited participants completed the STS tests with no reported adverse events. Majority of participants were from the 21- to 25-year-old age groups, and the average number of repetitions performed by this group was 21.9 ± 5.6 for the 30SSTS and 44.7 ± 12.6 for the 1MSTS.

Conclusion

Conducting the STS tests via video consultation was demonstrated to be safe and feasible. The number of repetitions performed in the 1MSTS is correlated to that of the 30SSTS, but 1MSTS has the ability to elicit a greater HR response among younger adults.

Design of Lung Transplant Go (LTGO): A randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a telerehabilitation behavioral exercise intervention to improve physical activity, physical function, and blood pressure control after lung transplantation

Background

Lung transplantation is an established treatment option for persons with advanced lung disease. After transplantation, lung function typically returns to near normal levels, however exercise capacity remains low due to chronic deconditioning, limited physical function, and inactive lifestyles which undermine the intended benefits of the highly selective, resource-intensive transplant procedure. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended to improve fitness and activity tolerance, however due to multiple barriers, lung transplant recipients either never participate, or fail to complete, pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Purpose

To describe the design of Lung Transplant Go (LTGO), a trial modified for the remote environment based on recommendations to preserve trial integrity during COVID. The aims are to evaluate a behavioral exercise intervention to improve physical function, physical activity, and blood pressure control in lung transplant recipients conducted safely and effectively using a telerehabilitation (telerehab) platform, and to explore the role of potential mediators and moderators of the relationship between LTGO and outcomes.

Methods

Single-site, 2-group randomized controlled trial with lung transplant recipients randomized 1:1 to either the LTGO intervention (a 2-phased, supervised, telerehab behavioral exercise program), or to enhanced usual care (activity tracking and monthly newsletters). All study activities, including intervention delivery, recruitment, consenting, assessment, and data collection, will be performed remotely.

Conclusion

If efficacious, this fully scalable and replicable telerehab intervention could be efficiently translated to reach large numbers of lung recipients to improve and sustain self-management of exercise habits by overcoming barriers to participation in existing, in-person pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Exercise Progression Protocol for Lung Transplant GO: A Multicomponent Telerehab Exercise Intervention for Patients After Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation is one of the fastest growing solid organ transplant procedures in the United States. After transplantation, lung function typically returns to near normal levels; however, reduced physical function and an inactive lifestyle compromise this benefit. To promote rehabilitation goals, lung transplant recipients (LTRs) are advised to participate in pulmonary rehab, but participation is low due to barriers related to scheduling, travel requirements, lack of insurance coverage, and the concern about exposure to infection. Telerehabilitation offers a flexible alternative with the potential to promote self-management of exercise in LTRs. The purpose of this report was to describe the exercise progression protocol for the Lung Transplant GO multicomponent telerehab exercise intervention for patients after lung transplantation. The progression protocol is an evidence-informed exercise protocol designed to improve physical function and physical activity in LTRs safely and effectively in a remote environment. The protocol standardizes the prescription of exercise while permitting adaptation of the program to meet the needs of the individual. Using this model, the decisions about program progression are systematic, transparent, and replicable to other LTRs.

The impact of COVID-19 on otolaryngology research: a cross-sectional analysis of discontinued trials

CONTEXT

The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the capacity to conduct medical research due to recruitment difficulties, supply chain shortages, and funding deficits. The clinical practice of otolaryngology was especially impacted due to a reduction in elective procedures, such as facial plastic surgeries and vocal fold injections.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to examine the extent of clinical trial (CTs) disruption secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic in the field of otolaryngology.

METHODS

On August 1, 2021, we conducted a systematic search utilizing ClinicalTrials.gov for CTs related to common otolaryngology disorders. We utilized the date range January 1, 2020 through August 1, 2021 to identify all trials potentially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigators performed screening and data extraction in a duplicate, masked fashion. Trials resulting from the search were extracted for trial status, condition treated, enrollment number, funding, study type, study design, last update posted date, and trial location. Trials that explicitly mentioned COVID-19 as a reason for discontinuation or suspension were coded as such. For trials that did not explicitly mention COVID-19, we coded the reason provided from ClinicalTrials.gov. The Oklahoma State University Center for Health Science Institutional Review Board determined that this project did not qualify as human subject research.

RESULTS

A total of 1,777 CTs met the inclusion criteria, and 223 CTs were discontinued between January 1, 2020 and August 1, 2021. Thirty-three (14.8%) of the 223 CTs reported discontinuation explicitly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 33 studies had 1,715 participants enrolled in total. Among the primary interventions, 11 (33.3%) were devices, 10 (30.3%) were drugs, 5 (15.2%) were behavioral, 4 (12.1%) were diagnostic tests, 1 (3.0%) was dietary, and 2 (6.1%) were labeled as "other." Regarding the CT location, 20 (60.6%) were conducted in the United States, and 13 (39.4%) were conducted internationally. Of the 33 CTs, 19 (57.6%) were suspended, 9 (27.3%) were terminated, and 5 (15.2%) were withdrawn. The overall most common reason for trial disruption was recruitment difficulties (24.2%). Median enrollment for discontinued trials due to COVID-19 was 37 (interquartile range [IQR], 19-71) and for other reasons was 6 (IQR, 0-27), for which the Mann-Whitney test showed a statistically significant difference between the two (z=-3.913, p<0.001). There were no significant associations between trial location, funding source, randomization, or whether a study involved masked vs unmasked participants.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic has incited an impact on clinical research in the field of otolaryngology. To preserve trial continuation amid future threats to participant interaction and communication, we recommend further exploration of remote monitoring practices and virtual procedures-those that will maintain the effectiveness and accuracy needed to establish novel therapeutics. We encourage future trials to gauge which remote assessments show the greatest validity, with the long-term goal of establishing innovative study designs resilient to future pandemics.

Test/Retest Reliability and Validity of Remote vs. In-Person Anthropometric and Physical Performance Assessments in Cancer Survivors and Supportive Partners

(1) Background: Anthropometric and physical performance testing is commonly done in lifestyle research and is traditionally performed in-person. To expand the scalability of lifestyle interventions among cancer survivors, in-person assessments were adapted to remote means and evaluated for feasibility, safety, validity, and reliability. (2) Methods: Cancer survivors and supportive partners were approached to participate in three anthropometric and physical performance testing sessions (two remote/one in-person). Correlations, concordance, and differences between testing modes were evaluated. (3) Results: 110-of-112 individuals approached for testing participated (98% uptake); the sample was 78% female, 64% non-Hispanic White, of mean age 58 years and body mass index = 32.4 kg/m2. ICCs for remote assessments ranged from moderate (8' walk = 0.47), to strong (8' get-up-and-go = 0.74), to very strong (30 s chair stand = 0.80; sit-and-reach = 0.86; 2 min step test = 0.87; back scratch = 0.90; weight = 0.93; waist circumference = 0.98) (p-values < 0.001). Perfect concordance (100%) was found for side-by-side and semi-tandem balance, and 87.5-90.3% for tandem balance. No significant differences between remote and in-person assessments were found for weight, 8' walk, and 8' get-up-and-go. No adverse events occurred and 75% indicated no preference or preferred virtual testing to in-person. (4) Conclusions: Remote anthropometric and physical performance assessments are reliable, valid, acceptable, and safe among cancer survivors and supportive partners.

Developing a virtual assessment protocol for the AMPLIFI Randomized Controlled Trial due to COVID-19: From assessing participants' preference to preparing the team

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person research assessments needed to be adapted to ensure safety of participants and staff. Participants' willingness to participate in research activities, how to prepare assessors to ensure data integrity, and the feasibility of modified protocols, were unknown. Within the AMPLIFI randomized clinical trial (RCT) for cancer survivors, we elicited participants' preferences and willingness to participate in Clinic, Home, or Virtual assessments, prepared assessors for, and implemented virtual assessments. Methods 1) We conducted phone surveys of potential AMPLIFI participants; 2) Based on survey results, we modified assessments from in-person to virtual visits (VV) by videoconference. Assessors were trained and certified, i.e., assessors recorded 3 assessments that were reviewed and scored by 2 investigators. The modified protocol was proposed to 62 participants: we report numbers of those who agreed to attend VV. Results 1) Survey results: Among 74 survey respondents, 44.6% preferred, 75.7% were willing to attend Clinic Visits; 32.4% preferred, 83.8% were willing to do VV; 23% preferred, 77% were willing to do Home Visits. Survivors 70+ were less likely than 50-69 years old to be willing to do VV: no other differences were noted by gender, race, rural status or education. 2) Assessment uptake: 66.1% agreed to attend VV, and of them 75.6% completed them. Conclusion Diverse research participants adapted to protocols that prioritize their safety, although older participants may be reluctant to do virtual assessments. Virtual assessments are feasible and research teams can rigorously prepare to collect quality data through them.