# Multicomponent Telerehabilitation to Engage Veterans in Effective Self-Management of ComplexHealth Conditions

> **NIH VA I01** · VA EASTERN COLORADO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM · 2024 · —

## Abstract

Older Veterans with medical complexities represent one of the most vulnerable patient populations. This large
and growing proportion of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) beneficiaries are more likely to live in rural
areas, experience social isolation and loneliness, and be physically inactive. Thus, medically complex older
Veterans are at greater risk for progressive declines in function, lower quality of life, and frequent care needs.
While the VHA has established outpatient programs to address rehabilitation needs, these programs tend to
serve disease-specific populations (e.g. cardiac, stroke) on an episodic basis. Moreover, these programs often
do not meet the needs of medically complex older Veterans, as they typically 1) require in-person attendance,
2) under-dose the physiologic intensity of rehabilitation, and 3) lack self-management approaches for
preservation of function. Telehealth platforms offer a solution to redesign rehabilitation models of care for
medically complex older Veterans and can aid in overcoming access barriers (rurality, transportation), while
also integrating technologies to augment biobehavioral interventions and provide social support. Novel,
scalable telerehabilitation approaches targeting medically complex older Veterans are urgently needed to 1)
address physiologic impairments using progressive, high-intensity rehabilitation, 2) increase physical activity
with biobehavioral interventions which promote self-management, and 3) reduce social isolation and loneliness
via social support. Our proposed MultiComponent TeleRehabilitation (MCTR) program addresses current
healthcare deficiencies by using a multicomponent approach that includes both high-intensity rehabilitation
interventions and self-management interventions that are not part of traditional physical therapy interventions.
Therefore, we propose a two-arm, parallel randomized trial using a crossover study design to determine the
effectiveness (AIM 1) of a 12-week multicomponent telerehabilitation program to improve physical function. We
will also measure Veterans’ clinical outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of the MCTR program to improve
physical activity, health self-management, and self-reported health (AIM 2). Lastly, we will explore the effects
of the MCTR program on safety events such as emergency room visits, hospitalizations, falls, and other
adverse events (AIM 3). Participants (n=126) will be randomized to MCTR or Control group using computer-
generated random blocks, stratified by sex. The MCTR group will participate in the 12-week program
consisting of 1) progressive, high-intensity rehabilitation, 2) self-management interventions, 3) social support,
and 4) technology supports. The 12-week program is split into two phases: the Active Phase (weeks 1-6) and
the Transition Phase (weeks 7-12). The Control group will participate in education and health status update
sessions in parallel to the MCTR 12-week program. Following the program, partici...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10857993
- **Project number:** 1I01RX005012-01
- **Recipient organization:** VA EASTERN COLORADO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer E. Stevens-Lapsley
- **Activity code:** I01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-04-01 → 2028-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10857993

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10857993, Multicomponent Telerehabilitation to Engage Veterans in Effective Self-Management of ComplexHealth Conditions (1I01RX005012-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10857993. Licensed CC0.

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