Understanding brain mechanisms behind walking difficulties in older adults who fall
Official title: Identifying potential cortical mechanisms responsible for gait impairment in older adult fallers
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10707873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain affect walking and falling in older adults, using special imaging to see brain activity while they walk, with the hope of finding ways to help prevent falls and improve walking safety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $189,869 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG075489-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10707873 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those who have experienced falls or have gait impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 years old or do not have any history of falls or gait issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific areas of the brain, particularly the posterior parietal cortex, contribute to walking difficulties and fall risks in older adults. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to measure brain activity during walking tasks that involve visual processing. The goal is to better understand the relationship between brain function and gait performance, which could lead to improved assessments and interventions for fall prevention in older adults. Participants will be observed while performing tasks that mimic real-life walking scenarios to gather comprehensive data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective fall prevention strategies for older adults, enhancing their safety and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain mechanisms related to gait, but this specific focus on the posterior parietal cortex in older adults is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martini, Douglas Nathaniel — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Martini, Douglas Nathaniel
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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.