Strengthening foot muscles to improve balance and reduce falls in older adults
CE-22-006 The effects of intrinsic foot muscle strengthening interventions on balance, proprioception, and fall risk in adults over age 65
This study is looking at how exercises and special shoes can help older adults improve their balance and foot strength to prevent falls and stay safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Springfield College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Springfield, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10827488 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles can enhance balance, proprioception, and reduce the risk of falls in adults over 65 years old. The study will involve two interventions: using minimally cushioned footwear and performing specific strengthening exercises targeting these muscles. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the interventions, and their progress will be monitored to assess improvements in foot strength, balance, and overall mobility. The goal is to determine effective strategies to prevent falls, which are a significant health risk for older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 65 who can walk short distances, with or without assistance, and do not have significant foot or lower extremity issues.
Not a fit: Patients with poor foot sensation, recent lower extremity injuries, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective interventions that significantly reduce fall risk and improve mobility in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that strengthening exercises can improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Springfield, United States
- Springfield College — Springfield, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Futrell, Erin — Springfield College
- Study coordinator: Futrell, Erin
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.