Digital program to improve balance and prevent falls in older adults
The Effectiveness of a Digital Falls Prevention Programme (KOKU) Versus Usual Care to Improve Balance, Falls Risk and Function in Older Adults
This study is testing a digital app that helps older adults improve their balance and prevent falls by guiding them through exercises and safety tips over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 196 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Manchester Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Manchester, Greater Manchester and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06687135 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effectiveness of the Keep-On-Keep-Up (KOKU) digital health app designed for older adults to enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls. Participants will engage with the app three times a week for 12 weeks, performing progressive exercises while also receiving information on home safety and health. A control group will receive traditional exercise information without the app. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and at the end of the 12-week period to evaluate improvements in balance and function. Focus groups will gather feedback on the program's usability and effectiveness from participants and caregivers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60 and above who can understand and use the digital app.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those currently using other digital exercise technologies may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce falls and improve the quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with digital interventions for falls prevention, indicating potential for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Older adults (aged 60 years and older, inclusive of all genders and ethnicities) * Are able and willing to provide informed consent (to participate in the study) * Are able to understand and speak English (to communicate with researchers and understand what the research involves) * Are able to see and safely use the tablet-based program and read instructions with or without glasses as assessed by the trained research staff (in order to access the intervention) Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to understand the study procedures * Currently using other digital technologies to exercise (would not be a true experimental or control group participant) * Medical contraindications to exercise e.g. acute illness, severe congestive cardiac failure, uncontrolled hypertension, recent fracture or surgery; myocardial infarction or stroke in past 6 months; severe cognitive impairment; orthopaedic surgery in last 6 months, or on waiting list to have orthopaedic surgery; wheelchair users; severe auditory or visual impairment; and peripheral neuropathy or other uncontrolled medical (conditions that are likely to compromise the ability to exercise)
Where this trial is running
Manchester, Greater Manchester and 1 other locations
- The University of Manchester — Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- University of Manchester — Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Emma Stanmore, PhD — The University of Manchester
- Study coordinator: Emma Stanmore, PhD
- Email: emma.stanmore@manchester.ac.uk
- Phone: 0161 306 7645
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.