Step training for older adults with mild dementia
Investigating the Effects of Step Training and the Mediating Effects of Prefrontal Cortex Functioning in Older Adults with Mild Dementia: a Randomized Wait-list Controlled Trial
This study tests if a step-training program can help older adults with mild dementia improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 145 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05655403 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates the effects of a step-training program on older adults with mild dementia, focusing on improving choice stepping and reducing fall-related outcomes. The training involves concurrent stepping and visuospatial tasks to enhance cognitive and motor functions. The study aims to assess changes in step length, lower-limb muscle strength, balance, mobility, dual-task ability, and fear of falling. By understanding the impact of step training on the prefrontal cortex, the research seeks to provide insights into fall prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 65 and older with a physician's diagnosis of mild dementia and the ability to walk independently.
Not a fit: Patients with severe musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, or neurological conditions, or those with significant sensory impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the risk of falls in older adults with mild dementia, enhancing their safety and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While step training has shown effectiveness in healthy older adults, this specific application in older adults with mild dementia is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * at least 65 years old; * have a physician's diagnosis of dementia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition; * have mild dementia, indicated by a score of 10 or higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong version (HK-MoCA); * able to walk 10 meters independently without a walking aid; * receiving care by an unpaid "main caregiver" with at least 3.5 hours of face-to-face contact per week. Exclusion Criteria: * unable to perform step training due to unstable or severe musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, or neurological conditions; * have severe hearing and/or visual impairments that limit their ability to communicate; * have been hospitalized within the past 30 days.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wayne LS Chan, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Wayne LS Chan, PhD
- Email: wayne.ls.chan@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 27666742
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.