Real-life Dual-Task Training for Older Adults at Risk to Fall
Official title: Real-life Dual-Task Training for Older Adults at Risk to Fall: A pilot clinical trial
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11452094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pilot program tests a six-week real-life dual-task training program to help older adults reduce fall risk while doing everyday activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG095443-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11452094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults at risk of falling who can participate in a six-week program and perform IADLs with supervision.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals may not experience noticeable benefits or may have limitations that prevent full participation.
What this research studies
If you’re an older adult at risk of falling, this study tests a practical, real-world training approach that combines thinking and daily tasks like laundry or cooking. The program uses four progressive levels of thinking-and-action challenges during common activities, guided by an occupational therapist. The goal is to see if this dual-task training is feasible, acceptable, and shows a signal of helping people stay steady and participate in daily life. Participants will join a six-week program and compare it to an already-proven fall-prevention activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience fewer falls and better ability to perform daily tasks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous dual-task training approaches have shown promise in reducing fall risk, but this real-life, task-based format is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swink, Laura Anita — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Swink, Laura Anita
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Using a Conversational AI to Help Older Adults Prevent Falls at Home
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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.