A training program to improve balance in older veterans
A Balanced Reach Training Platform to Address Balance Disorders in Older and Neurologically Disabled Veterans
This study is testing a new training program designed to help older veterans improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling by practicing reaching tasks that challenge their stability in a safe way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baltimore VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166270 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a Balanced Reach Training Protocol (BRTP) aimed at improving balance in older veterans who are at risk of falling. The program involves challenging participants to perform reaching tasks that push their balance limits, gradually increasing these challenges as they improve. By using advanced engineering methods, the research seeks to better understand how age and neurological conditions affect balance control, ultimately leading to more effective diagnosis and treatment strategies for balance disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 65 and older who are experiencing balance issues or are at risk of falling.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have balance disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of falls and related injuries in older veterans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using engineering methods to study balance, but this specific approach with the BRTP is novel.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Baltimore VA Medical Center — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barton, Joseph Edward — Baltimore VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Barton, Joseph Edward
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 below.