Predicting falls in older adults using everyday walking patterns
Using instrumented everyday gait to predict falls in older adults using the WHS cohort
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11041100
This study is looking at how the way older adults walk can help us understand their risk of falling, using special devices to track their movements over a week, so we can find those who might need extra support to stay safe.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11041100 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how everyday walking patterns in older adults can help predict the risk of falls. By using wearable accelerometers, researchers will collect data on gait speed, cadence, and physical activity levels over a week. The goal is to identify individuals who are at higher risk of falling and could benefit from early interventions. This approach aims to improve fall prevention strategies by utilizing real-world data rather than traditional clinic-based assessments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are community-living older adults who are 21 years and older and may be at risk of falling.
Not a fit: Patients who are not community-living or those who do not have access to wearable technology may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification of older adults at risk of falls, allowing for timely interventions that could reduce injuries and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using gait measures to predict falls, but this study aims to expand on those findings with a larger and more diverse population.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WAYNE, PETER MICHAEL — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: WAYNE, PETER MICHAEL
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 below.