An observational study in Guideline Implementation, Physiotherapy and Nursing Homes, sponsored by Hasselt University. Recruiting at 4 sites in Belgium. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-29.
Sponsored by Hasselt University · Observational
The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the extent to which physiotherapy sessions in Flemish nursing homes adhere to the IAGG-GARN guidelines and to explore factors influencing clinical practice among physiotherapists.
The study targets multiple nursing homes across Flanders, with 3 to 5 centers in each of the provinces of Limburg, Antwerp, and Flemish Brabant. This selection ensures variation in geographic location and organizational context. The participants in this study are physiotherapists working in the participating nursing homes.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Researchers will observe physiotherapy sessions delivered as part of routine care and document session content and duration using structured observation diaries. Participating physiotherapists will also take part in focus groups discussing experiences with guideline implementation, barriers, facilitators, and clinical decision-making.
Hasselt University is the lead sponsor of 204 studies on the registry; 31 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
The study population consists of licensed physiotherapists working in Flemish nursing homes who provide physiotherapy to older residents
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Mapping therapy sessions provided by physical therapists in Flemish nursing homes
Guideline Adherence to IAGG-GARN Recommendations
Overall adherence of physiotherapy sessions in Flemish nursing homes to IAGG-GARN recommendations. Adherence is assessed through structured direct observation of the routine physiotherapy sessions. The secondary outcomes are operationalize adherence to the guideline (frequency, exercise intensity, exercise duration, exercise type and personalization)
Time frame: 2 weeks
Exercise Description
Narrative description of each exercise performed during a physiotherapy sessions.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Use of Equipment, Aids or Materials
Type of equipment, aids or materials used during each exercise.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Exercise format
Whether the exercise is performed individually or in a group setting.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Group Size
Number of participants involved in group-based exercises.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Level of supervision
Level of supervision provided by the physiotherapist during exercises (none, intermittent, continuous)
Time frame: 2 weeks
Exercise Start and End Time
Start and end time of each exercise performed during physiotherapy sessions
Time frame: 2 weeks
Rest Periods During Exercises
Rest periods during physiotherapy exercises, recorded separately as (1) rest periods instructed or allowed by the physiotherapist and (2) rest periods actually taken by the resident during exercise.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Exercise Category
Category of each exercise performed during physiotherapy sessions (strength, endurance, mobility/flexibility, balance/coordination, or other)
Time frame: 2 weeks
Exercise Volume - Repetitions
Number of repetitions per exercise, recorded separately as (1) repetitions prescribed by the physiotherapist and (2) repetitions actually performed by the resident during the exercise.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Exercise Intensity
Intensity of each exercise performed during physiotherapy sessions, including whether intensity was explicitly determined during the exercise, the method used to determine intensity, the recorded intensity value, and the observer's interpretation (high, medium or low intensity).
Time frame: 2 weeks
Walking or Treadmill parameters
Parameters during walking or treadmill exercises (incline and speed).
Time frame: 2 weeks
Cycling Parameters
Parameters recorded during cycling exercises (rounds per minute, resistance and distance)
Time frame: 2 weeks
Speed of movement
Speed of movement during exercises, classified according to the observed execution pace (slow, controlled or fast).
Time frame: 2 weeks
External Load (Resistance)
External load applied during exercises (kg).
Time frame: 2 weeks
Contextual Factors
Contextual elements influencing physiotherapy sessions, such as disturbances (e.g., noise, interruptions) and other relevant observations.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Background information physiotherapists
Age, gender, year of graduation, specialization, number of years of experience as a physiotherapist, educational level (e.g., bachelor, master…), employment regime (full-time, part-time, other appointment), number of years working within the nursing home and continuing education participation This information is pseudonymously linked to the observation data with the aim of identifying interpersonal differences in therapy approach.
Time frame: baseline
Background information residents
In addition, the physiotherapeutic interventions will be linked to residents' background information to determine the extent to which the physiotherapists adapt their therapy to the specific needs of the patient. The following information will be used: * Age category: 65-70, 71-75, 76-80, 81-85, 86-90, 91-95, 96-100 and 100+ * Gender: male/female/other * Stable medical status: yes/no * Cognitive status (MMSE score): 25-30 (normal), 21-24 (mild cognitive impairment), 10-20 (moderate cognitive impairment), 0-9 (severe cognitive impairment) * Ability to walk (maximum achievable level for resident): independent, independent with walking aid, with assistance from caregiver, wheelchair-bound, bedridden * Ability to transfer (maximum achievable level for resident): independent, with aid, with assistance from caregiver, with hoist * Following physiotherapy: yes/no * Which (main) physiotherapist: physiotherapist ID * Type of stay: permanent residence/short-term stay * O or A profile: yes/no
Time frame: baseline
Focus groups with physiotherapists
Step 1: Center-specific After completion of the observations, a center-specific feedback session will be held at each nursing home. These sessions (60-90 minutes, 2-8 therapists) present and discuss the results with physiotherapists, focusing on their work context, its influence on care delivery, and the reasoning behind their choices. Step 2: Validation Following the feedback sessions, a validation focus group will be organized at a neutral location (UHasselt), including 1-2 representatives per center and additional physiotherapists (10 participants, 60-90 minutes). Results from the observations and all feedback sessions will be presented anonymously. The discussion will focus on validating and deepening findings, identifying key themes and patterns, and determining priorities for further development Digital recordings of the focus groups will be made during the session. At the end of the focus groups, the recordings will be transcribed and anonymized for analysis.
Time frame: 2 days
Started Mar 2026 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Jan 2028, 21 months after the start.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
Contact study teamGet an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.