Balance Training for Accidental Falls

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location
MM
Overseen ByMichael Madigan, PhD
Age: 65+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

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?

MM

Michael Madigan, PhD

Principal Investigator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

NA

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

I do not have serious health issues that would affect my ability to join the study.
I am 65 years old or older.
I have trouble balancing on one leg for 10 seconds or more.
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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

Group I: Treadmill TrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Step TrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group III: Otago Exercise ProgramActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
162
Recruited
26,900+

University of Michigan

Collaborator

Trials
1,891
Recruited
6,458,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials
1,841
Recruited
28,150,000+