Foot muscle strengthening to prevent falls in older adults
The Effects of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Strengthening Interventions on Balance, Proprioception, Foot Structure, and Fall Risk in Adults Over Age 65
NA · Springfield College · NCT05829369
This study tests if strengthening foot muscles through exercises or wearing special shoes can help older adults prevent falls and stay steady on their feet.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Springfield College (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Springfield, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05829369 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of two interventions aimed at strengthening intrinsic foot muscles in older adults to prevent falls. The study involves a randomized control trial design, where participants will either engage in foot strengthening exercises or wear minimal footwear while being monitored for improvements in balance, proprioception, and overall mobility. The target population includes adults over 65 who are at risk for falls, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure participant safety and relevance. The goal is to determine if these interventions can significantly reduce fall risk in this vulnerable population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults over 65 who can walk household distances and are identified as being at risk for falls.
Not a fit: Patients with poor foot sensation, recent lower extremity injuries, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to effective, low-cost interventions that significantly reduce fall risk among older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar interventions targeting foot muscle strength and fall prevention, indicating a potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Can ambulate household distances (16 meters) with or without an assistive device * Have fall risk based on a "yes" to any of the Three Key Questions Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking? Do you worry about falling? Have you fallen in the past year? OR * Have a fall risk based on Timed Up and Go score (\> 12 seconds) Exclusion Criteria: * poor foot sensation (Semmes-Weinstein) * lower extremity amputations * lumbar spine or lower extremity injury or surgery in the past 6 months * impaired cognitive ability to follow verbal or written instructions (MMSE) * vestibular disorders * based on self-report and/or the Vestibular Screening Tool (score \> 4) * participation in a fall prevention program in the previous 6 months
Where this trial is running
Springfield, Massachusetts
- Springfield College — Springfield, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erin Futrell, PhD — Springfield College
- Study coordinator: Erin Futrell, PhD
- Email: efutrell@springfieldcollege.edu
- Phone: 413-748-3590
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: Accidental Fall, older adults, falls, feet, balance, proprioception, muscle strength