Training to improve balance and prevent falls

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 pilot study evaluates the effects of three different perturbation-based training devices on reactive balance control in healthy young adults, healthy older adults, and individuals who have had a stroke. The training involves inducing slips and trips to challenge stability and improve compensatory strategies. The study aims to assess the feasibility and tolerability of 30-minute sessions using the SureFooted Trainer and to determine the long-term effects on fall risk reduction and prevention.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy Young participants

* Age group: 18-55 years.
* Absence of any acute or chronic neurological, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal or systemic diagnosis.
* No recent major surgery (\< 6 months) or hospitalization (\< 3 months)
* Not on any sedative drugs.
* Can understand and communicate in English

Healthy older adults

* Age group: 56-90 years.
* Absence of any acute or chronic neurological, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal or systemic diagnosis.
* No recent major surgery (\< 6 months) or hospitalization (\< 3 months)
* Not on any sedative drugs.
* Ability to walk with or without an assistive device for 10 meters
* Can understand and communicate in English
* Berg balance scale score \<45/56.

Persons with stroke

* Age group: 18-90 years.
* Absence of any acute or chronic neurological diagnosis except stroke (self reported)
* Onset of stroke (\> 6 months)
* Absence of any cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal or systemic diagnosis.
* No recent major surgery (\< 6 months) or hospitalization (\< 3 months)
* Not on any sedative drugs.
* Ability to walk with or without an assistive device for 10 meters
* Can understand and communicate in English

Exclusion Criteria:

Healthy subject:

* Subjects will not proceed with the test if any of the following occurs at baseline measurement: 1) HR \> 85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate (HRmax) (HRmax = 220 - age), 2) systolic blood pressure (SBP) \> 165 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) \> 110 mmHg during resting), and 3) oxygen saturation (measured by pulse oximeter) during resting \< 95%.
* Body weight more than 250 lbs.

Healthy Older adults:

* Individuals with heel bone density with a T-score \< -2, is classified as osteoporotic and will be excluded.
* Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (Mini-mental State Exam score \< 25/30) will be excluded.
* Subjects will not proceed with the test if any of the following occurs at baseline measurement: 1) HR \> 85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate (HRmax) (HRmax = 220 - age), 2) systolic blood pressure (SBP) \> 165 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) \> 110 mmHg during resting), and 3) oxygen saturation (measured by pulse oximeter) during resting \< 95%.
* 6 minute walk test. Subjects will also be screened out if on the 6 minute walk test they complain of shortness of breath or uncontrolled pain (\> 3/10 on VAS) or pulse oxygen drops \< 92% or are unable to achieve the age-specified minimal ambulation distance.
* Body weight more than 250 lbs.

Persons with stroke:

* Individuals with heel bone density with a T-score \< -2, is classified as osteoporotic and will be excluded.
* Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (Mini-mental State Exam score \< 25/30) will be excluded.
* Subjects will not proceed with the test if any of the following occurs at baseline measurement: 1) HR \> 85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate (HRmax) (HRmax = 220 - age), 2) systolic blood pressure (SBP) \> 165 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) \> 110 mmHg during resting), and 3) oxygen saturation (measured by pulse oximeter) during resting \< 95%.
* 6 minute walk test. Subjects will also be screened out if on the 6 minute walk test they complain of shortness of breath or uncontrolled pain (\> 3/10 on VAS) or pulse oxygen drops \< 92% or are unable to achieve the age-specified minimal ambulation distance.
* Body weight more than 250 lbs.

Where it's running

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

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tanvi Bhatt, PhD — University of Illinois Chicago
• Study coordinator: Shamali Dusane, MPT
• Email: sdusan2@uic.edu
• Phone: 3123552735

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

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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.