A digital platform-based stratified intervention for preventing disability risk in community-dwelling older adults: study protocol for a randomized multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Population aging has sharply increased the prevalence of disability, imposing a substantial public health burden. Early identification of high-risk older adults and preventive interventions are crucial for promoting healthy ageing. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital platform-based stratified intervention in delaying functional decline and reducing the incidence of disability among older adults in a real-world community setting. METHODS: This multi-center, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial will enroll 238 participants aged 65 years and older from eight healthcare community centers. Participants will be stratified by disability-risk level and randomized 1:1 to either a digital platform based, multi-domain intervention or usual care. The platform integrates evidence-based components, with intensity matched to low, moderate, or high risk of disability. Intervention lasts 6 months, with periodic reassessment of disability risk, with risk-dependent adjustment of the intervention plan. The primary outcome is the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, while secondary outcomes include the incidence of disability, changes in disability risk scores, and adherence to the intervention. CONCLUSION: This study will evaluate the digital, risk-stratified, multidomain intervention designed to prevent disability in community-dwelling older adults. If effective, the findings will provide actionable evidence for integrating digital tools and personalized strategies into community-based geriatric care, advancing sustainable approaches to healthy aging and reducing the disability burden in rapidly aging societies. STUDY PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: http://clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT07508813.