Fall risk prevention after stroke in inpatient rehab
Official title: Data-driven Intervention to Reduce Pre-discharge Fall Risk After Stroke
Run by MGH Institute of Health Professions · NCT07349030 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a targeted in-hospital fall-prevention program to see if it reduces falls after discharge for stroke patients who are at high fall risk.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 134 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | MGH Institute of Health Professions Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07349030 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Stroke patients in inpatient rehabilitation who are high fall risk at admission, with no prior history of falls, and who can follow simple commands.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not meet high fall-risk criteria or have conditions that preclude participation may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults hospitalized for a stroke and identified as high fall risk receive a personalized fall-prevention intervention during inpatient rehabilitation, in addition to usual care. The study compares this intervention to usual care with a dose-matched control activity, looking at discharge fall risk and post-discharge falls at 30 and 90 days. Eligible participants are stroke inpatients without a prior fall history who show high fall risk and can follow simple commands. Randomization is 1:1 to experimental or control groups, with outcomes including Berg Balance Scale scores and fall events. The investigation is conducted at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston with lead sponsor MGH Institute of Health Professions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce falls and improve safety and mobility after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests that targeted fall-prevention strategies can reduce fall risk in similar populations, though this study explores inpatient prevention specifically.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Inpatient rehabilitation admission for diagnosis of stroke * Test positive for fall risk at admission (step-test and obstacle-test, "STOB", \>/= 3 out of 8 and/or Berg Balance Scale \</=43) * No pre-stroke history of falls * Community dwelling and independent in basic and instrumental activities of daily living prior to stroke * Able to follow 1-step verbal command and demonstrate comprehension and decision-making capacity to consent to study participation * Able to stand upright for 10 seconds with assistance of no more than one person Exclusion Criteria: * Brain hemorrhage due to trauma * Prior stroke with residual physical or cognitive impairment * Use of assistive device for ambulation prior to stroke * Diagnosed with dementia * Receptive or global aphasia * Receiving chemotherapy in last 6 months or any cancer diagnosis with brain metastases
Where it's running
-
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Prudence Plummer, PhD — MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Study coordinator: Prudence Plummer, PhD
- Email: pplummer@mghihp.edu
- Phone: 617-724-3103
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
-
Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery
This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.
-
AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals
This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.
-
Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke
This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.
-
Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2
Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.
-
Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke
In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.