Falls risk in adults over 65: does asymmetry in legs matter for balance and safety
Official title: Fall-risk Prevention in Adults Over 65: the Relevance of Morphological and Functional Asymmetries of the Lower Limbs.
Run by I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio · NCT07742397 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether differences between the two legs in strength or function help predict falls in adults 65 and older who move independently.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milan, Milan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07742397 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 or older who can walk independently, are cognitively intact, and can consent to procedures.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with BMI ≥ 30, recent orthopedic surgery, significant cardiopulmonary or musculoskeletal disorders, Parkinson's disease, stroke, active cancer, or medications affecting balance may not benefit or may be excluded from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study will explore whether lower limb asymmetries are associated with fall risk in adults aged 65 and older. Participants will be adults meeting inclusion criteria and free of recent orthopedic surgery or conditions that could confound balance assessments. The researchers will assess leg strength, flexibility, and functional capacity to see if asymmetric legs correlate with falls or near-falls. The goal is to identify potential indicators that could guide fall prevention strategies. No experimental treatment will be given; findings will inform risk profiling and future interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to better prediction of who is at higher risk of falls and inform targeted prevention efforts.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier research in younger populations and athletes has linked limb asymmetry to performance and injury risk; the applicability to fall risk in older adults is less established and remains exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female, of any ethnicity. * Age ≥ 65 years. * Cognitively intact. * Independent ambulation. * Signed and accepted informed consent to participate in all procedures required for the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous surgical treatments for orthopedic conditions performed within the six months prior to study inclusion. * Severe cardiac, pulmonary, or musculoskeletal disorders that may influence the assessment outcomes. * Comorbidities associated with increased fall risk, such as Parkinson's disease or stroke. * Body Mass Index ≥ 30.0. * Use of medications that affect motor coordination, balance, or bone and muscle metabolism. * Active oncological disease.
Where it's running
-
IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio
Milan, Milan, Italy Recruiting
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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.