Modular Balance Walkway to Prevent Falls in Older Adults
Official title: A Modular Overground Balance Walkway for Task-Specific Perturbation-based Fall Prevention Assessment and Training
Funded at Nextstep Robotics, LLC · NIH-11407994 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A team is building a modular, clinic-friendly walkway that simulates real-world slipping and tripping to help older adults stay steady and safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nextstep Robotics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | September 17, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $306,884 |
| NIH project number | 1R41AG102361-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11407994 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults, particularly those 65 and older, who are at risk of falls and can safely participate in supervised walking tasks.
✕Less likely to help
Older adults who cannot participate in walking tasks due to safety concerns or medical contraindications may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project introduces MOBAL, a modular walkway that can reproduce a variety of fall hazards in a controlled clinic setting. It uses interchangeable modules to create unpredictable walking challenges and records detailed data on how quickly and accurately a person responds. Clinicians will be able to use this system to train and assess balance, attention, and confidence while reducing fall risk. The study will gather feedback from physical therapists to improve usability and safety during therapy sessions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, MOBAL could provide a practical, affordable way to assess and train fall-prevention skills in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: This approach builds on established perturbation-based balance training but emphasizes ecological, real-world applicability with modular, clinic-ready design.
Where this research is happening
-
Nextstep Robotics, LLC
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Westlake, Kelly — Nextstep Robotics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Westlake, Kelly
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.
-
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.
-
Aging after traumatic brain injury — balance and fall risk
This work checks whether adults who had a moderate traumatic brain injury at least 15 years ago have more balance problems and higher fall risk as they age.
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.