New balance training to prevent falls in older adults
Official title: Effects of a novel perturbation balance training program on laboratory and real-world trip-induced losses of balance and falls among balance-impaired older adults
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11445976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $710,970 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG097954-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults age 65 and older who have balance impairments and are at risk of falls.
✕Less likely to help
Older adults without balance impairments or those unable to participate in physical training may derive little benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a practical balance training method designed to be affordable and easy to use in real-world settings. It compares three approaches in adults 65 and older who are prone to balance problems, using a randomized design to measure how well each method helps with trip recovery and preventing falls. The study focuses on delivering a safe, scalable intervention that could be adopted in community programs or at home. If successful, it could lead to fewer injuries and better confidence in daily activities for older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the training could reduce fall risk and related injuries for many older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous perturbation balance training shows promise, but traditional methods require costly equipment; this study tests a more accessible approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madigan, Michael L — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Madigan, Michael L
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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.