Improving How the Great Toe Works and Its Link to Walking and Balance in Older Adults
Official title: Improving the Assessment of Great Toe Function and its Association with Gait and Balance in Older Adults
Funded at California State University San Marcos · NIH-11444186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing new ways to measure how the big toe functions and how that relates to walking balance in adults, with a focus on older individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University San Marcos NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Marcos, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $541,168 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AG098615-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults 21 years and older, including both younger and older adults, with varying health and disease statuses.
✕Less likely to help
People not able to participate due to age or other health conditions unrelated to toe function may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to see how novel measurements of big toe function relate to gait variability and balance in both younger and older adults, using a new device and methods. The team plans to move beyond simple toe-grip tests to capture submaximal force control, joint-angle-specific force, and how quickly force can be generated. By comparing results across age groups and health statuses, the study seeks to clarify how toe function influences walking safety and fall risk. The research will develop practical, ecologically relevant ways to assess toe performance that could inform future clinical or at-home assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to better screenings and interventions to prevent falls by focusing on toe function.
How similar studies have gone: Past work suggests a link between toe strength and balance, but this study aims to provide clearer, clinically useful measurements.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nessler, Jeff Andrew — California State University San Marcos
- Study coordinator: Nessler, Jeff Andrew
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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.