An interventional study of Behavioral Activation for Independence in Older Veterans (ACTIVaTE) and Usual care in Functional Independence, sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 65 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-02-27.
Sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
As Veterans age, chronic health conditions increase their risk of functional limitations, or difficulty completing day-to-day activities independently. Older adults with functional limitations are more likely to be hospitalized or admitted to long-term care facilities. Maintaining independence at home and in the community is a high priority for many older Veterans. The goal of this study is to support the physical, cognitive, and social functioning of older Veterans by developing a program based on behavioral activation, an evidence-based brief psychosocial intervention that helps individuals increase their engagement in activities aligned with their values (i.e. what matters most to them). The study consists of 3 aims. Aim 1 involves adapting an existing behavioral activation program for older Veterans at risk for functional decline to be delivered by video telehealth and seeking feedback from Veterans and VA staff about the program materials. Aim 2 involves testing the program in a group of 10 Veterans to learn whether it is satisfactory to Veterans; the investigators will make improvements to the program based on the information gathered in this aim. Aim 3 is a randomized controlled trial that will test the behavioral activation program compared to usual care in older adulthood in 48 Veterans. This will help determine whether the program is possible to deliver as planned and acceptable to Veterans, and assess the potential effects of the program on functioning and related health outcomes.
The overarching goal of this study is to develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth-delivered behavioral activation (BA) intervention (ACTIVaTE) to promote physical, cognitive, and social functioning in community-dwelling older Veterans at risk for functional decline. This work will provide preliminary data that will inform the design of a future adequately-powered efficacy trial.
This proposal consists of three aims: Aims 1 and 2 are focused on intervention adaptation and refinement of an existing BA model to optimize the acceptability of the ACTIVaTE intervention and study procedures for older Veterans (NIH Stage Model for Behavioral Intervention Development stage IA). Aim 3 is a feasibility pilot RCT of the ACTIVaTE intervention versus usual care (NIH Stage Model stage IB). A focus on Stage I procedures (intervention generation and refinement, including initial feasibility pilot testing) will ensure that the intervention is optimally tailored to the study population and feasible for subsequent stage II-IV efficacy and effectiveness testing. Mixed methods will be used throughout all aims to optimize the intervention for the VA and telehealth delivery, to incorporate Veterans' preference into the intervention and study design, and to understand barriers and facilitators to implementation during the pilot phase.
Aim 1: Adapt BA protocol for ACTIVaTE (Year 1). The investigators will develop ACTIVaTE based on an existing BA model (Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression-Revised) for delivery to older Veterans at risk for functional decline via the VA's video telehealth platform (VA Video Connect). The previous experience with BA will inform the initial adaptation, incorporating perspectives from primary care, geropsychology, and occupational therapy. The investigators will seek feedback on the preliminary manual and participant workbook via semi-structured interviews with VA psychologists (n=5), occupational therapists (n=5), and Veterans (n=5), using findings from rapid qualitative analysis to further modify the materials. By design, this intervention development aim is hypothesis-generating as opposed to hypothesis-driven, as the investigators will be using qualitative methods to extract themes that will guide intervention adaptation and refine subsequent aims.
Aim 2: Refine the ACTIVaTE intervention (Year 2). Preliminary acceptability of the intervention will be established through a small open trial of the intervention delivered via VVC to 10 older Veterans at risk for functional decline (Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 score 3) recruited from VA primary care. This early acceptability testing will focus on Veteran satisfaction and experience with the intervention and study procedures and will also be used to optimize interventionist training and fidelity assessment. Participants will complete qualitative interviews guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) as well as the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ) and findings will be used to further refine the intervention materials prior to the pilot RCT. The investigators hypothesize that the intervention will be preliminarily acceptable as determined by high CSQ scores ( 80%) among at least 70% of participants. The investigators also anticipate that themes identified within TFA domains will demonstrate general acceptability with some recommendations to inform refinement.
Aim 3: Determine feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of ACTIVaTE (Years 3-4). The investigators will conduct a 1:1 randomized pilot RCT of ACTIVaTE versus usual care in 48 Veterans at risk for functional decline (VES-13 score 3) recruited from VA primary care. The primary goal of the pilot RCT is to establish feasibility and acceptability, and a fully powered RCT is beyond the scope of this study. However, the investigators will explore preliminary evidence of potential impact on functioning. The investigators will collect clinical measures at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks, using the Ambulatory Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) and PROMIS Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities as primary measures of physical, cognitive, and social functioning. The investigators will also conduct semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of participants based on satisfaction and adherence. Exploratory outcomes include objective physical and cognitive function, quality of life, mood, behavioral activation, social isolation, and engagement in physical, cognitive, and social activities.
Aim 3a: Feasibility will be determined by enrollment and retention. Acceptability will be determined by adherence and satisfaction, as well as by themes from qualitative interviews. The investigators hypothesize that the intervention will be feasible (enrollment of 2-3 participants per month for a total n=48; retention of at least 80% of participants at 12 weeks follow-up) and acceptable ( 80% of participants complete at least 5/6 sessions; 70% of participants report high satisfaction on Client Satisfaction Questionnaire).
Aim 3b: Preliminary impact on AM-PAC and PROMIS will be explored through within and between groups mixed-effects linear regression models and proportions of participants who achieve minimal clinically important change in outcomes. The investigators hypothesize that a greater proportion of participants in the ACTIVaTE group will achieve minimal clinically important change in AM-PAC and PROMIS than usual care.
VA Office of Research and Development is the lead sponsor of 1,733 studies on the registry; 396 are open to participants now.
Of its 206 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 180 (87%) have results posted.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Exclusion Criteria:
Unstable physical or mental health condition:
In Aim 2, all 10 participants will receive the ACTIVaTE intervention.
Behavioral: Behavioral Activation for Independence in Older Veterans (ACTIVaTE)
In Aim 3, 24 participants will be randomized to receive the ACTIVaTE intervention.
Behavioral: Behavioral Activation for Independence in Older Veterans (ACTIVaTE) · Other: Usual care
In Aim 3, 24 participants will be randomized to a usual care arm.
Other: Usual care
6 sessions delivered by a psychology trainee by telehealth will cover the core content of an existing BA model, Brief Behavioral Activation for Depression-Revised (BATD-R), including education on BA and rationale for the intervention, activity monitoring, values exploration, and activity selection and planning. ACTIVaTE will include the following key modifications: 1) modifying background and psychoeducation to focus on maintaining functional independence; 2) tailoring content to Veterans; 3) adapting materials for VVC telehealth delivery; 4) incorporating elements of activity and environmental modification from an OT perspective; and 5) adding content on VA and community resources for older Veterans. Each session is structured similarly, consisting of education or review of concepts, review of homework and troubleshooting challenges, discussion of core content (e.g. values exploration or activity planning/scheduling), and assignment of homework for the next session.
In this study, both arms will have access to usual care as part of their routine clinical care. Recognizing the heterogeneity of primary care services provided to patients at risk for functional decline, we will minimally standardize the usual care arm by providing a booklet of educational information on maintaining activity to support independence in aging (e.g., an NIH handout "Participating in Activities you Enjoy as you Age" and information on VA and community recreation programs to stay active) that will be mailed to participants after randomization.
Enrollment
Proportion screened who enroll; number or participants enrolled per month; total number of participants enrolled. Enrollment will serve as a measure of feasibility in Aim 3, with a benchmark of 2-3 Veterans enrolled per month to achieve a sample of 48 participants enrolled over 18 months.
Time frame: Baseline
Retention at 12 weeks
Proportion enrolled who complete 12wk follow-up. Retention will serve as a measure of feasibility in Aim 3, with a benchmark of at least 80% of participants enrolled completing the 12wk follow-up.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Adherence
Proportion completing at least 5 of 6 sessions. Adherence will serve as a measure of acceptability in Aim 3 with a benchmark of At least 80% of participants completing 5-6 sessions.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Satisfaction at intervention completion
Proportion reporting high satisfaction (at least 80% on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire \[CSQ-8\]). Satisfaction at intervention completion (6 weeks) will serve as a measure of acceptability in Aim 2 with a benchmark of at least 70% of participants report high satisfaction. Validated measure of treatment satisfaction in mental health and research settings; raw scores will be transformed to a 100-point percentage scale.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Themes based on Theoretical Framework of Acceptability domains
Themes regarding acceptability of the intervention based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability as determined by participant semi-structured interviews. This will serve as a measure of acceptability in Aim 2.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Satisfaction at study completion
Proportion reporting high satisfaction (at least 80% on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire \[CSQ-8\]). Satisfaction at study completion (12 weeks) will serve as a measure of acceptability in Aim 3 with a benchmark of at least 70% of participants report high satisfaction. Validated measure of treatment satisfaction in mental health and research settings; raw scores will be transformed to a 100-point percentage scale.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Recruitment
Proportion approached who agree to screening. Recruitment will serve as a measure of feasibility in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline
Change in physical functioning as measured by the Ambulatory Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) Daily Activities and Basic Mobility Scales
This standardized measure of physical and cognitive functioning has standardized scores with a mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10; higher scores indicate better functioning. The investigators will measure both change over time and the proportion of participants who achieve clinically meaningful change. Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks in Aim 2 and baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-8 weeks, 12 weeks
Randomization
Proportion eligible who agree to randomization. Randomization will serve as a measure of feasibility in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline
Change in cognitive functioning as measured by the Ambulatory Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) Applied Cognitive Scale
This standardized measure of physical and cognitive functioning has standardized scores with a mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10; higher scores indicate better functioning. The investigators will measure both change over time and the proportion of participants who achieve clinically meaningful change. Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks in Aim 2 and baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-8 weeks, 12 weeks
Fidelity
Mean fidelity score on fidelity checklist. Fidelity will serve as a measure of feasibility in Aim 3 with a benchmark of mean fidelity rating at least 80% on intervention checklist.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Change in social functioning as measured by the PROMIS Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities (Short Form-8a)
Scores are standardized with a mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10; higher scores indicate better functioning. The investigators will measure both change over time and the proportion of participants who achieve clinically meaningful change. Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks in Aim 2 and baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-8 weeks, 12 weeks
Barriers and facilitators
Themes regarding barriers and facilitators to implementation as determined by participant semi-structured interviews. Barriers and facilitators will serve as a measure of feasibility in Aim 3.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Perceived impact and recommendations
Themes regarding perceived impact and recommendations for improvement as determined by participant semi-structured interviews. Perceived impact and recommendations will serve as a measure of acceptability in Aim 3.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Change in physical function as measured by the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test
Time to complete 5 sit-to-stand cycles. This will be used an objective measure of physical function. Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks in Aim 2.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks
Change in cognitive function as measured by the telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA)
T-MoCA is a validated tool for screening for cognitive impairment by telephone with a range of 0-22 and higher scores indicating better functioning. This will be used as an objective measure of cognitive function. Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks in Aim 2 and baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-8 weeks, 12 weeks
Change in behavioral activation as measured by the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale - Short Form (BADS-SF)
BADS-SF is a validated 9-item self-report measure of behavioral activation. Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks in Aim 2.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks
Change in engagement in physical, cognitive, and social activities as measured by the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire (CHAMPS)
CHAMPS is a validated, 40-item scale assesses self-reported physical activity in older adults. The investigators will divide items into physical, cognitive, and social activity to assess engagement across the three target domains of the ACTIVaTE intervention. Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks in Aim 2 and baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-8 weeks, 12 weeks
Change in quality of life as measured by the CDC Health-Related Quality of Life measure (HRQOL-4)
4-item validated measure of health-related quality of life. Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks in Aim 2.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks
Change in depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
This 9-item questionnaire is a validated self-report measure of depressive symptoms widely used across settings and populations. Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks in Aim 2 and baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-8 weeks, 12 weeks
Change in values-aligned living as measured by the Valuing Questionnaire
Validated 10-item measure of values-aligned living. Assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks, 12 weeks
Change in social isolation as measured by the PROMIS Social Isolation Scale (Short Form 4a)
Validated 4-item measure of subjective social isolation. Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks in Aim 2 and baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-8 weeks, 12 weeks
Change in global functioning as measured by the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale (WHODAS 2.0)
Validated 12-item measure of functioning and disability. Assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks, 12 weeks
Change in care engagement as measured by number of health care visits
Self report and chart review of number of primary care visits, psychotherapy/mental health visits, physical therapy/occupational therapy visits, geriatrics visits, and physical activity/recreation program visits. Assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks in Aim 3.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks, 12 weeks
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