Arm-in-arm walking program for older adults at risk of falling
Helping Older People Recover Walking Abilities Through Arm-in-armg Gait Training: a Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · Haute Ecole ARC Sante · NCT05627453
This study tests if a special walking program with a younger partner can help older adults at risk of falling improve their balance and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 132 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Haute Ecole ARC Sante (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Neuchâtel) |
| Trial ID | NCT05627453 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The Arm-in-Arm Gait Training Trial (AAGaTT) is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a synchronized walking program for older adults who are at risk of falling. Participants will engage in a four-week intervention consisting of 30-minute sessions of arm-in-arm walking with a younger partner, three times a week. The study aims to determine the impact of this innovative exercise approach on gait quality, balance, fall risk, and overall well-being. Gait assessments will be conducted using inertial sensors to measure improvements throughout the trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults over 70 who have experienced a fall in the past year and can walk without aids.
Not a fit: Patients with severe gait disorders or those unable to follow study procedures due to psychological issues or dementia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce fall risks and improve the overall physical health and well-being of older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with rhythmic gait training and synchronized walking, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Older Participant * Older than 70 years old * Able to walk continuously during 15 minutes without walking aids. * Must have experienced a fall during the last year before the recruitment. * Health certificate that attests no contraindication to walking * No severe gait disorders from orthopedic or neurologic origins (such as lower-limb amputation or severe hemiparesis). Mild gait abnormalities (for example, mild limping due to knee arthritis, or slight gait asymmetry due to limited hemiparesis) will be tolerated. 2. Younger Participant * Older than 18 years old but younger than 40 years old. * No severe gait disorders from musculoskeletal or neurologic origin. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g., due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc.; * Inability or contraindications to undergo the investigated intervention. * Vulnerable persons, in sense of swiss Human Research Act art. 21-24.
Where this trial is running
Neuchâtel
- Haute-Ecole Arc Santé — Neuchâtel, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Philippe Terrier, PhD — Haute-Ecole Arc
- Study coordinator: Philippe Terrier, PhD
- Email: philippe.terrier@he-arc.ch
- Phone: +41 32 930 12 55
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Healthy Aging, fall risk, gait disorder, physical activity, complexity matching