Training to prevent falls in older adults
Aging and Mixed Perturbation Training to Reduce Falls in Locomotion
This study is testing different training programs to help older adults learn how to prevent falls and stay safe while walking.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT03199729 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to develop an effective training program to enhance the ability of older adults to prevent falls, which are a significant health risk in this population. The study involves a randomized controlled trial where participants will undergo different types of perturbation training, including slip-only, trip-only, and combined slip and trip training. The effectiveness of these training methods will be evaluated by assessing participants' recovery responses to induced slips and trips during normal walking. The goal is to improve dynamic stability and reduce the risk of falls among community-dwelling older adults aged 60 to 90 years.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling older adults aged 60 to 90 who can walk independently with or without an assistive device.
Not a fit: Patients with acute or chronic neurological, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal conditions, or those on sedative medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this training could significantly reduce fall-related injuries and healthcare costs for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using perturbation training to improve balance and reduce falls in older adults, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Community ambulators who use assistive device and are able to walk independently for 8m, healthy older adults between the age group of 60 to 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. Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects will be excluded if they report presence of pain, osteoporosis or any medical conditions during telephone screening (see Telephone screening form). Also subjects will be excluded if they are on osteoporosis medication, and narcotics/opioids class of drugs under the sedative medications. * Individuals classified as osteoporotic with heel bone density measurement with a T-score \< -2 using an ultrasound device. * Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (Mini-mental State Exam score \< 25/30) * 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 during 6 minute walk test. * Subjects with body weight more than 250lbs.
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tanvi Bhatt, PhD PT — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Shamali Dusane, MPT
- Email: sdusan2@uic.edu
- Phone: 3123552735
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.