Training program to improve balance in older veterans
A Balanced Reach Training Platform to Address Balance Disorders in Older and Neurologically Disabled Veterans
This study is testing a new training program to help older veterans improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT04359888 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to develop and assess a Balanced Assessment and Training Protocol (BATP) specifically designed for older veterans at high risk of falls. The study will involve creating a comprehensive assessment module that continuously monitors balance-related metrics during training tasks. Participants will engage in a multi-modality balance intervention, which includes balanced reach training, to evaluate the efficacy and time course of motor learning. The research seeks to enhance understanding of balance control in older adults and improve therapeutic interventions for fall prevention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include older veterans aged 60 and above who are at high risk for falls or younger individuals aged 18-40 with no falls in the past year.
Not a fit: Patients with health conditions that prevent safe participation in balance tasks may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce fall risk and improve balance in older veterans, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using engineering methods to assess balance, but this specific approach is novel in its application to the veteran population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-40 years old and in good health; 60 years and older * For ages 18-40-experienced no falls in the past year. Fall is defined as a fall that occurs under conditions that an able body individual would not fall * For ages 60 and older-High Fall Risk or At Risk for Falling as defined by one or more of the following: Self reported fall twice or more in the past year, Self reported fear of falling, Four Square Step Test time greater than 12 seconds as determined by the study team. * Able to perform the balanced reach task without assistive devices for 90 seconds * Able to perform a sit-to-stand with minimal assistance and walk 10 meters without human assistance * Adequate language and neurocognitive function to give adequate informed consent \& to participate in testing and training * Vision adequate to see a 1 inch diameter black disk against a white background at 3 feet Exclusion Criteria: * Any health condition that the study team deems would preclude safe completion of the BATP or MMBI * Body Mass Index (BMI) \>40 * Excessive daily alcohol consumption (\>3 oz. liquor; \>12 oz. wine; or \>36 oz. beer) or illicit drug abuse * For ages 60 and older-Dementia based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score of less than 23 for more than 9th grade education. * Neurological disease such as stroke, limb paralysis, Parkinson's disease, or vestibular disorders sufficient to preclude safe completion of the BATP or MMBI * Poorly controlled hypertension (\>190/105) on at least two separate occasions * Poorly controlled type 1 or 2 diabetes (HbA1c \>10) * Recent hospitalization for severe disease or surgery (\<3 month) * Congestive heart failure or valvular dysfunction symptomatic with ordinary activities (NYHA II) * Self-reported Pregnancy. * Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension * Participant has/had or currently is in a personal (romantic) relationship with any member on the study team.
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph E. Barton, MD PhD — Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
- Study coordinator: Joseph E Barton, MD PhD
- Email: jbarton@som.umaryland.edu
- Phone: (410) 605-7000
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.