A body and mind program to prevent falls in older adults
Official title: Optimizing a technology-based body and mind intervention to prevent falls and reduce health disparities in low-income populations
Funded at University of Central Florida · NIH-11118931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program helps low-income older adults prevent falls by combining balance exercises with mental strategies to manage fear of falling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Central Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $537,700 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD018025-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are low-income older adults who are concerned about falling or have experienced falls, and who may have a mismatch between their perceived and actual fall risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience fall risk or fear of falling, or who are not low-income older adults, may not find this program beneficial.
What this research studies
Falls are a leading cause of injury and disability for older adults, especially those with limited resources, and many also experience a fear of falling that can limit their physical activity. This program offers an individualized, in-home approach to address both physical balance and the mental aspect of fall risk. It uses a portable balance system for real-time feedback, along with mental exercises to help you understand your true fall risk. Peer leaders guide participants through balance and strength training exercises, making it easier to stay active and reduce fall risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce falls and related injuries, improve confidence, and help older adults stay more active and independent at home.
How similar studies have gone: Previous preliminary work has shown that this technology and approach are practical and well-received by older adults.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Central Florida
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thiamwong, Ladda — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Thiamwong, Ladda
Related research
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Sleep, nighttime oxygen, and risk of falls and fractures in older adults
This study looks at how nocturnal low oxygen during sleep relates to falls and bone fractures in men and women aged 50 and older.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.