Improving balance and walking in older adults using spinal stimulation
Upregulating Spinal Circuits to Enhance Balance and Walking and to Increase Spinal Excitability in Older Adults
This study is testing if combining spinal stimulation with balance training can help older adults improve their balance and walking to reduce the risk of falls.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 95 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06517043 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address age-related balance and walking issues in older adults, which can lead to increased fall risks and reduced quality of life. It explores the use of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) combined with balance training to enhance spinal cord function and improve motor learning. The intervention targets the spinal cord's role in balance and walking performance, which is often impaired in older adults. Participants will undergo balance training alongside either active or sham tsDCS to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 65 to 95 who experience balance and walking difficulties but do not have severe cognitive or neurological impairments.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed neurological disorders, severe arthritis, or significant cardiovascular or other systemic diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve balance and walking abilities in older adults, potentially reducing fall risks and enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using spinal stimulation for balance improvement is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in enhancing locomotor learning in older adults.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age range: 65 to 95 years * no severe high blood pressure: Resting systolic \< 180 mmHg and diastolic \< 100 mmHg * no severe vision impairment: Visual acuity ≥ 20/70 as determined by Snellen eye chart * walking problem: Preferred walking speed slower than 1.0 m/s over 10 meters * balance problem: Berg Balance Scale score \< 45 * no cognitive impairment: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 26 out of 30 Exclusion Criteria: * diagnosed neurological disorder or injury of the central nervous system, or observation of symptoms consistent with such a condition (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, etc.) * severe arthritis, such as awaiting joint replacement * current cardiovascular, lung or renal disease; untreated diabetes; terminal illness * myocardial infarction or major heart surgery in the previous year * cancer treatment in the past year, except for nonmelanoma skin cancers and cancers having an excellent prognosis (e.g., early stage breast or prostate cancer) * current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder * currently taking medications that affect the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, anti-cholinergic medication, and GABAergic medication, among others * uncontrolled hypertension at rest (systolic \> 180 mmHg and/or diastolic \> 100 mmHg) * bone fracture or joint replacement in the previous six months * current enrollment in any other clinical trial * planning to relocate out of the area during the study period * non-English\* speaking, due to the likelihood of difficulties following instructions and communicating remotely * clinical judgment of the investigative team
Where this trial is running
Gainesville, Florida
- Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Brain Rehabilitation Research Center — Gainesville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jungyun Hwang, PhD
- Email: jungyunhwang@ufl.edu
- Phone: 352-294-5458
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.