Foot muscle strengthening program for older adults to reduce fall risk
Effect of a Foot Muscle Strengthening Program in Mobile Older Adults Adults
This study tests if a foot muscle strengthening program can help older adults improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling compared to standard fall prevention programs.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fontys University of Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Eindhoven) |
| Trial ID | NCT05531136 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of a foot muscle strengthening program on fall prevention in mobile older adults. Participants will engage in exercises targeting the plantar intrinsic foot muscles to enhance gait performance and balance. The study compares the effects of these exercises combined with standard fall prevention programs against standard programs alone. Key outcomes include maximum gait speed, foot muscle size, balance, and self-reported mobility limitations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 65 and over who can walk independently and have experienced falls or have mobility concerns.
Not a fit: Patients with disorders that interfere with exercise execution or those unable to ambulate without assistance may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce fall incidents and improve mobility in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with similar approaches focusing on muscle strengthening to improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * be 65 years of age or over; * be able to ambulate 10 meter without using a walking aid; * engage in a functional exercise program delivered to a group of older adults by an educated or certified physical therapist or trainer (e.g., fall preventive exercise program, senior fit programs); * report to have 1) fear of falling OR 2) experienced a fall in the previous 12 months OR 3) difficulties with mobility, gait, or balance; * be able to arrange their own transport to the movement analysis laboratory. Exclusion Criteria:: * The respondent is a minor or legally incompetent adult; * Self-reported presence of any disorder interfering with the execution of the exercises.
Where this trial is running
Eindhoven
- Fontys Hogeschool — Eindhoven, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lydia Willemse, MSc
- Email: lydia.willemse@fontys.nl
- Phone: +31646081601
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.