Personalized lab and home balance training to reduce fall risk in older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Forty adults aged 60–85 with a history of one or more falls or gait instability will be enrolled and tested for fall mechanisms using moving footplates. Investigators will design a subject-specific training plan that includes one supervised session per week in the lab using a sliding stepping perturbation system and three home exercise sessions per week for six weeks. Participants will undergo biomechanical and clinical evaluations before and after the 6-week program and again two months later, and a harness will be used during in-lab perturbation sessions for safety. Common exclusions include severe lower-limb pain, recent myocardial infarction, cognitive impairment (MMSE <25), enrollment in other lower-limb rehab, or body weight over 280 lbs.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 60 to 85 years old
2. Have a family member at home for safety.
3. There is no severe injury or pain at the lower extremities.
4. With one or more falls in the past 12 months or walk with instability
5. Individuals who are taking medication, there should be no planned medication changes for the study duration of 3.5 months.
6. All the participants should be capable of independent walking.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Enrollment in another lower limb rehabilitation program;
2. severe pain in the lower limbs;
3. previous myocardial infarction
4. Body weight over 280 lbs
5. Cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score less than 25)

Where it's running

• University of Maryland Baltimore
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Li-Qun Zhang — University of Maryland, Baltimore
• Study coordinator: Zongpan Li
• Email: zongpan.li@som.umaryland.edu
• Phone: 410-706-3242

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.