Using electrical stimulation to reduce fall risk in older adults
Reducing Fall Risk With the Use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to Maximize the Hip Abductor Muscles in Older Veterans
This study is testing if using electrical stimulation on hip muscles, along with balance training, can help older Veterans reduce their risk of falling.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT04969094 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to reduce fall risk in older Veterans by utilizing neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on hip muscles in conjunction with a multimodal balance intervention. The approach focuses on improving hip muscle strength and balance, which are critical for preventing falls. Participants will engage in a resistance training program enhanced by NMES to assess its effectiveness in improving mobility and reducing fall risk. The study will evaluate the outcomes over a three-month period to determine the additive benefits of NMES.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 55 and older who are at risk for falls.
Not a fit: Patients with poorly controlled hypertension, dementia, or other medical conditions that preclude participation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly lower the incidence of falls among older adults, enhancing their safety and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While NMES has been used in various rehabilitation contexts, this specific application targeting hip abductors in fall prevention is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 55 years or older * At risk for falls Exclusion Criteria: * Poorly controlled hypertension * Home oxygen use * Contraindications to resistance exercise * Contraindications for NMES use * Dementia * Other medical condition precluding patient participation in this study as per medical judgment of 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: Odessa R. Addison, PhD DPT — Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
- Study coordinator: Jeffrey P Beans, BS
- Email: jeffrey.beans@va.gov
- 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.