Improving balance in older veterans using electrical stimulation of hip muscles
Official title: Reducing Fall Risk with the use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to Maximize the Hip Abductor Muscles in Older Veterans
Funded at Baltimore VA Medical Center · NIH-11012288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using electrical stimulation to strengthen hip muscles, along with balance training, can help older veterans improve their balance and reduce the risk of falls.
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 start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003484-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older veterans experiencing balance issues or muscle weakness in the hip area.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older veterans or those without balance or mobility issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how neuromuscular electrical stimulation can enhance the strength of hip abductor muscles in older veterans, which is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls. The study combines this stimulation with balance training to assess its effectiveness in improving mobility and reducing fall risk. By focusing on the hip abductors, which play a significant role in stability, the research aims to address the limitations caused by decreased muscle mass and strength in older adults. Participants will engage in interventions designed to strengthen these muscles and improve their overall balance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of falls among older veterans, leading to fewer injuries and improved quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using neuromuscular electrical stimulation for muscle strengthening in older adults, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baltimore VA Medical Center
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Addison, Odessa — Baltimore VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Addison, Odessa
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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.