Finding ways to prevent falls in people with Parkinson’s disease
Official title: Identifying Targets for Fall-prevention Rehabilitation in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-10863760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve physical therapy for people with Parkinson's disease by figuring out the best ways to help them balance better and prevent falls, so they can feel safer and more confident in their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $676,731 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG086533-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease who are at risk of falling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson’s disease who do not experience balance issues or falls may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance physical therapy techniques specifically for preventing falls in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. It investigates which aspects of balance, such as reactive stepping and standing sway, are most critical in reducing fall risks. By understanding the neural deficits that contribute to balance issues, the study seeks to develop targeted interventions that can be integrated into rehabilitation programs. Patients may be involved in assessments that help identify effective strategies for improving their balance and safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective fall-prevention strategies, significantly improving the safety and quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving balance through targeted physical therapy approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peterson, Daniel Soren — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Peterson, Daniel Soren
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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Improving fall prevention for people with Parkinson's
This project aims to find which balance and stepping skills physical therapy should focus on to help people with Parkinson's fall less.
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Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
A plant-wide supplement to an NIH program will enroll people with Parkinson’s, with and without GI symptoms, plus healthy controls, to study how gut function, brain signals, and sleep rhythms relate to Parkinson’s symptoms.
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Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
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Gut-brain communication in Parkinson’s disease for better symptoms and daily life
This project enrolls people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls to build a big registry and study how gut function, brain signals, sleep, and circadian rhythms relate to PD symptoms.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
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.