Task-specific balance training to reduce falls 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

This randomized, controlled study will enroll community-ambulatory adults aged 60–90 who are at increased risk for falls and compare three training programs: task-specific balance training, treadmill perturbation training, and conventional balance training. Participants complete a baseline balance assessment, are randomized to one of the three interventions, receive supervised training, and are followed for fall outcomes up to 18 months after training. The trial measures both laboratory balance control (reactive and volitional) and real-world fall incidence to determine immediate and long-term effects. The goal is to find a feasible, clinic-ready training approach that reduces environmental falls caused by slips and trips.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 60 to 90 years of age to include community dwelling older adults
* Understand English to ensure ability to safely complete study protocols
* Able to walk independently for 1 block and 10 meters without an assistive device to ensure ability to complete exercises and reactive balance assessments
* 'At-risk' adults: Participants who report experience of at least 1 fall in the past 12 months or participants who are categorized as at high fall- risk using our fall risk prediction model which can predict the risk of both slip and trip related falls.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Major surgery less than 6 months ago to avoid complications due to training
* Hospitalization less than 3 months ago to avoid complications due to training
* Taking any sedative drugs to avoid interference with training
* Acute or uncontrolled neurological or cardiopulmonary or musculoskeletal or cancer diagnosis to avoid complications due to training
* Have intact visual and auditory ability with or without corrective aids to avoid confounding effects on balance
* Severe osteoporosis measured by a score of less than negative two point five on heel bone density scan to avoid complications due to training
* Loss of sensation on monofilament test to avoid confounding effects on outcome assessments
* Cognitive impairment indicated by a score of less than 25 out of 30 on the mini mental state exam to ensure ability to follow instructions for safety
* Shortness of breath or uncontrolled pain higher than a three out of ten or inability to achieve age specified minimal distance on the 6 minute walk test for endurance to avoid complications due to training

Where it's running

• University of Illinois at Chicago
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Tanvi Bhatt, PT, PhD
• Email: tbhatt6@uic.edu
• Phone: 312-355-4443

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• The Balance and Foot Health Program for Older Adults

  A study tests whether adding foot-health workshops to balance training helps improve mobility for residents 65 and older in nursing homes who are at risk of falling.

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• Falls risk in adults over 65: does asymmetry in legs matter for balance and safety

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  Recruiting I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio · Milan, Milan · NCT07742397

• Balance workshops to learn getting up from the floor for older adults living at home

  This pilot study tests a balance training program that includes a module on getting up from the floor for people over 65 who live at home and have fallen or feel unsteady.

  Recruiting Centre Hospitalier Emile Roux · Valence · NCT07741513

• Community-based muscle power training versus traditional strength training for older adults with and without past falls

  This will test whether a community-based muscle power exercise program helps adults aged 65–85 who have or haven't fallen improve balance and reduce fall risk.

  Recruiting University of Maia · Maia, Porto District · NCT07369440

• Methods to reproduce stumbles and slips during walking

  This project tests three ways to create unexpected slips and stumbles during walking to compare responses in people who use a unilateral lower‑limb prosthesis and able‑bodied adults.

  Recruiting Össur Iceland ehf · Reykjavik and 1 other locations · NCT07175714

• Steady Stride fall-prevention program versus usual primary care

  This study will see if the Steady Stride physiatry-based program helps people 65 and older who had at least two falls in the past six months reduce future falls compared with usual primary care.

  Recruiting Steady Strides: Fall Prevention and Stroke Rehabilitation Medical Institute · Baltimore, Maryland · NCT07092176

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.