Evaluating a program to prevent falls in older adults
Official title: CE-22-006 Process and Outcome Evaluation of the Walk with Ease program for Fall Prevention
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-10827479 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether adding special exercises to the Walk with Ease program can help older adults who are at risk of falling stay safer and reduce their chances of falling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $349,352 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CE003490-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10827479 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are community-dwelling older adults who are at high risk for falls.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for falls or those who are unable to participate in physical activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of the Walk with Ease program, enhanced with physical therapy exercises, to help older adults reduce their risk of falls. The study will involve community-dwelling older adults who are at high risk for falls, and will utilize a randomized controlled design to compare the standard program with an enhanced version that includes personalized exercises. Physical therapists will play a key role in screening participants and providing tailored interventions. The goal is to determine if the enhanced program leads to fewer falls and improved overall safety for participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of falls among older adults, improving their safety and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that physical activity interventions can be effective in reducing fall risk, suggesting that this approach may also yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welk, Greg J — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Welk, Greg J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Smartphone coaching to prevent falls after stroke and train researchers
A smartphone-based coaching tool is being developed to help stroke survivors move more safely and reduce fall risk, with training opportunities for students at a major technical university.
-
STEADI-based Fall Prevention in Assisted Living Facilities
A plan to test a step-by-step fall-prevention program in eight assisted living facilities to see if it reduces falls, how well it works in real settings, and whether it makes economic sense.
-
Using a Conversational AI to Help Older Adults Prevent Falls at Home
A small, practical project uses a chat-based AI coach to help people 65 and older follow proven steps to prevent falls, including those with mild cognitive impairment.
-
Modular Balance Walkway to Prevent Falls in Older Adults
A team is building a modular, clinic-friendly walkway that simulates real-world slipping and tripping to help older adults stay steady and safe.
-
Targets for fall-prevention rehab in people living with Parkinson’s
A study to help people with Parkinson’s reduce falls by improving physical therapy that focuses on balance and stepping in daily life.
-
AI conversational coach to deliver STEADI fall-prevention for older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment
An easy-to-use virtual coach will guide older adults, including those with mild memory problems, through the CDC's STEADI fall-prevention steps to help reduce falls and keep people safer at home.
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.