Understanding how balance issues in older adults are affected by sensory dysfunction
Official title: Contribution of vestibular dysfunction and its central multisensory integration to imbalance in aging
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-10803344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why older adults sometimes lose their balance and fall, focusing on how changes in their senses, especially their inner ear, play a role, with the goal of finding ways to help them stay steady on their feet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $632,334 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG075532-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10803344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing balance issues or those with a history of falls.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 years or do not have balance issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the causes of imbalance in older adults, focusing on how age-related sensory dysfunction, particularly in the vestibular system, contributes to falls. The study will explore the roles of various sensory inputs, including vestibular, visual, and somatosensory systems, in maintaining balance. By examining how these systems interact and how central processing affects balance, the research aims to identify targeted interventions that could help reduce fall risk. The findings could inform future clinical trials for new therapies aimed at improving balance in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing falls in older adults, enhancing their safety and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding balance dysfunction through similar approaches, indicating potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karmali, Faisal — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Karmali, Faisal
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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.