Balance Training for Accidental Falls
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a novel balance training stepping exercise can reduce the risk of falling among adults over the age of 65. The main question it aims to answer is:
* Does the novel stepping exercise improve laboratory-based measurements of balance and fall rate?
* Does the novel stepping exercise improve real-world measurements of balance and fall rate?
Researchers will compare the novel stepping exercise to 1) a more established stepping exercise that requires more expensive equipment, and 2) a more established general exercise program focusing on strength and standing balance without stepping.
Participants will:
* complete their assigned exercise intervention twice a week for three weeks, then complete booster sessions of their assigned exercise intervention once a month during months 1-5 after completing the initial three weeks of intervention
* complete laboratory sessions to test their balance: a) before intervention, b) 1 week after intervention, and c) 6 months after intervention
* use a wearable sensor daily for 12 months after intervention to capture any loss of balance or fall events
Who Is on the Research Team?
Michael Madigan, PhD
Principal Investigator
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Neil Alexander, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 65 who have trouble with balance and are at risk of falling. Participants should be able to take part in exercise sessions and follow instructions.Inclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Otago Exercise Program
- Step Training
- Treadmill Training
Trial Overview
The study compares a new stepping-based balance training program to two established programs: treadmill step training and the Otago Exercise Program. Exercises are done twice weekly for three weeks, then monthly boosters, with balance tested before and after.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Perturbation-based balance training with a treadmill
Perturbation-based balance training without a treadmill
Strength and standing balance training.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Lead Sponsor
University of Michigan
Collaborator
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator
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