Improving fall prevention strategies for older adults in rehabilitation settings
Official title: Developing and testing implementation strategies to support the STEADI for falls risk management in outpatient rehabilitation
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-10895394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make it easier for physical therapists to help older adults, 65 and up, prevent falls by using a special program, and it will explore what challenges therapists face so they can find better ways to support their patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $216,670 |
| NIH project number | 5K76AG074920-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are receiving outpatient rehabilitation services.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those not engaged in outpatient rehabilitation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing fall prevention efforts for adults aged 65 and older by implementing the CDC's STEADI program in outpatient rehabilitation settings. It aims to identify barriers that physical therapists face in adopting these strategies and develop tailored implementation methods to overcome these challenges. The study will involve assessing clinic, provider, and patient-level factors that influence the uptake of fall prevention measures, followed by pilot testing the effectiveness of these strategies. By utilizing innovative approaches, the research seeks to improve the safety and health outcomes of older adults at risk of falls.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of falls among older adults, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that implementing structured fall prevention programs in clinical settings can lead to positive outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vincenzo, Jennifer Lynn — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Vincenzo, Jennifer Lynn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Falls and brain changes in older adults who don’t yet show dementia
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Lighting-centered home changes to prevent falls for people who are visually impaired
A study will test whether brighter, better-lit homes with fewer glare and clearer hazards reduce falls and help with daily tasks for people with vision loss.
-
New balance training to prevent falls in older adults
A new, low-cost balance training program for people 65 and older aims to reduce the chance of falls by improving fast recovery after a trip.
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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.