Training to prevent falls in people with Alzheimer's disease

Motor Learning of Fall Resistant Skills From Laboratory-induced Falling Among People With Mild Alzheimer's Disease

Not applicable Interventional Georgia State University · NCT05205980

This study tests if people with mild Alzheimer's can learn skills on a treadmill to help prevent falls in their daily lives.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorGeorgia State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Valdosta, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT05205980 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines whether individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease can learn skills to prevent falls through perturbation training on a treadmill. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the training and the other not. Both groups will be exposed to perturbations on the ground immediately after training and again three or six months later. The study will track falls in daily living over six months to assess the effectiveness of the training in improving fall resistance. The research aims to determine if participants can adapt to and retain these skills in various contexts.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 65 and older with a clinical diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease who can walk independently.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of perturbation training, uncontrolled hypertension, osteoporosis, or other significant neurological or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this training could significantly reduce the risk of falls and related injuries in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific application of perturbation training in Alzheimer's patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants must be at least 65 years old;
* Participants have a clinical diagnosis of probable AD;
* Participants can read and understand English;
* Participants must be able to walk independently at least 25 feet;
* Participants must be able to stand independently for at least 30 seconds;
* Participants must have a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of 11-21 or Mini Mental Status Examination score between 18 and 23.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals have ever experienced perturbation training;
* Individuals have hypotension or uncontrolled hypertension;
* Individuals exhibit osteoporosis;
* Participants suffer from coexisting psychiatric disorders, or other neurological conditions, or injuries, etc.

Where this trial is running

Valdosta, Georgia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Alzheimer Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.