Task-Specific Balance Training for Falls Prevention
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new type of balance training to help prevent falls in older adults who have fallen before or are at high risk of falling. Researchers aim to determine if this training improves handling of slips and trips and enhances balance during everyday movements. Participants will be divided into three groups to compare the new task-specific balance training with traditional balance exercises and treadmill-based training. It suits those who can walk independently and have experienced at least one fall in the past year.
As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how this new balance training works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to experience this innovative approach.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
You will need to stop taking any sedative drugs to participate in the trial, as they can interfere with the training.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
A previous study demonstrated that training focused on specific balance tasks helps older adults improve their balance and feel less afraid of falling. This training emphasizes movements that prevent slips and trips, helping individuals control their balance better and lower the risk of falling.
Research shows that treadmill perturbation training improves responses to losing balance and reduces fall risk by safely simulating slips and trips. Studies suggest it effectively helps people react better to prevent falls in real life.
Conventional balance training has proven to reduce the number of falls and improve balance and strength. This well-accepted method lowers fall risk by strengthening muscles and enhancing balance control.
Overall, these balance training methods have shown positive results in improving balance and reducing fall risks in older adults.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to prevent falls by focusing on task-specific balance training. Unlike typical balance exercises that generally aim to improve overall balance, this approach zeroes in on practicing specific tasks and predictable balance challenges, like slips and trips, to better prepare individuals for real-world scenarios. The trial also includes treadmill perturbation training, which introduces slip-like and trip-like challenges on a treadmill, potentially making it a more dynamic and engaging way to boost balance and prevent falls. By comparing these methods to conventional balance training, researchers aim to uncover which strategy is the most effective in reducing the risk of falls, offering hope for improved prevention techniques.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for preventing falls in older adults?
This trial will compare three balance training methods for falls prevention. Participants in the Task-Specific Balance Training group will perform exercises that mimic real-life situations, such as slipping or tripping. Research has shown that these exercises can help older adults improve balance and reduce fear of falling. The Treadmill Perturbation Training group will concentrate on regaining balance after disturbances, though studies have shown mixed results in fall prevention. Meanwhile, the Conventional Balance Training group will engage in traditional exercises, including strength, balance, and aerobic activities, which evidence strongly supports for improving balance and reducing fall risk. Each method offers benefits, but exercises focusing on everyday challenges might provide more practical help in preventing falls.12678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for community-dwelling older adults aged 60-90 who understand English, can walk independently for a block and 10 meters without help, and are at risk of falling (either having fallen once in the past year or identified as high-risk by a fall prediction model).Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-training Assessment
Participants complete a pre-training assessment of their balance control and are randomized to one of three training groups
Training
Participants complete their assigned training protocol for 8 weeks, 2 times per week, for a total of 16 sessions
Post-training Assessment
Participants complete a post-training assessment of their balance control immediately after the training is completed
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for real-life falls and balance efficacy for 18 months after training, including wearing a physical activity monitor
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Conventional Balance Training
- Task-Specific Balance Training
- Treadmill Perturbation Training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Illinois at Chicago
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator