Creating a home therapy to help prevent falls in older adults
Official title: Development of an In-Home Sensory Training Therapy to Mitigate Falls Risk Among the Elderly
Funded at Senaptec INC. · NIH-10922420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special pair of glasses that help older adults improve their balance and prevent falls by training their brains to use different senses, making it easier for them to stay steady during everyday activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Senaptec INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Beaverton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $407,479 |
| NIH project number | 1R44AG087868-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 85 and above, who have experienced balance issues or are at risk of falls.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or those without any balance deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a sensory training therapy using innovative stroboscopic eyewear designed to help older adults improve their balance and reduce the risk of falls. The eyewear intermittently occludes visual input, encouraging the brain to rely on different sensory modalities for better coordination and stability. Participants will use the eyewear during daily activities, and previous studies have shown that even short sessions can lead to significant improvements in motor performance. The project aims to modify the eyewear for prescription use and enhance its functionality in low-light environments, making it suitable for home use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce fall-related injuries and improve the overall quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar sensory training approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Senaptec INC.
Beaverton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoo, Herbert — Senaptec INC.
- Study coordinator: Yoo, Herbert
Related research
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Lighting-centered home changes to prevent falls for people who are visually impaired
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New balance training to prevent falls in older adults
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Preventing Falls in Older Adults Using Floor Vibrations to Detect Falls and Gait Changes
A new approach aims to detect falls and gait changes in people aged 65 and older by analyzing floor vibrations, with the goal of preventing injuries and reducing fall-related costs.
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In-Home Sensory Training Therapy to Reduce Falls in Older Adults
A home-based program using stroboscopic eyewear to help older adults improve balance and reduce their risk of falls.
-
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.