VA recruiting veterans for telehealth physical therapy study
The VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center is actively recruiting 126 veterans nationwide to participate in a telehealth physical therapy study, with enrollment continuing through December 2026. This research program aims to determine whether delivering high-intensity physical rehabilitation through telehealth technology can effectively improve and sustain physical function for older veterans, comparing outcomes between a telerehabilitation group and an education control group. The study represents the VA's third iteration of this program, building on lessons learned from two previous pilot studies that showed promising results.
The Multicomponent Telerehabilitation Program is a structured initiative designed specifically for veterans experiencing physical difficulties in their daily lives. The program combines physical therapy, coaching, and social support to help participants improve strength, mobility, and social engagement through technology-assisted exercise. This approach addresses a significant gap in many established Veterans Health Administration rehabilitation programs, which often lack the ongoing coaching and technology support that can help veterans maintain gains after initial treatment ends. The program is administered through the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in partnership with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, though participants can join from anywhere in the country via video calls.
To qualify for the study, veterans must be at least 60 years old and have some documented need for physical therapy. The source material does not specify particular disability ratings, service-connected conditions, or geographic restrictions beyond working with the Colorado-based team remotely. Final eligibility determinations will be made by program staff at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, who will assess each applicant's individual circumstances and therapy needs. Veterans interested in participating should expect to undergo a screening process to ensure the program is appropriate for their specific physical limitations and health goals.
The program requires a substantial time commitment but provides comprehensive support throughout. Participants will attend video call sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, followed by four additional coaching sessions spread over the subsequent 12 weeks. All participants will receive a Fitbit device to help track their activity levels and health metrics throughout the study period. This structure allows researchers to measure both immediate improvements during the intensive therapy phase and longer-term outcomes during the coaching maintenance phase, addressing a critical question about whether telehealth rehabilitation can produce lasting benefits.
Previous iterations of this program have shown encouraging results that justify this expanded third study. Fourteen veterans completed the first pilot study, and 46 veterans finished the second study. On average, participants in those earlier studies demonstrated significant improvements in both aerobic capacity and overall physical fitness immediately following the therapy sessions. The current study builds on this foundation by focusing specifically on longer-term outcomes and testing whether the added coaching and technology components can help veterans maintain their functional gains over time.
For disabled veterans struggling with mobility, strength, or physical function, this study offers access to intensive rehabilitation services that might otherwise be difficult to obtain, particularly for those living far from VA medical centers or facing transportation challenges. Telehealth delivery removes common barriers like travel requirements and can be especially valuable for veterans with service-connected disabilities that make in-person appointments burdensome. The program also addresses the social isolation that many older disabled veterans experience by incorporating social engagement components alongside the physical therapy.
Veterans interested in participating should contact Jessica Plew with the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center or visit the study website for more information about the application process. Given that recruitment continues through December 2026, veterans have time to discuss participation with their primary care providers and consider whether the time commitment aligns with their schedules and rehabilitation goals. Those who qualify will gain access to a comprehensive telerehabilitation program while contributing to research that could shape how the VA delivers physical therapy services to older veterans in the future.