340 Participants Needed

Technology-based Body and Mind Intervention for Fall Prevention in Older Adults

LT
Overseen ByLadda Thiamwong, PhD, RN
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Central Florida
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Older adults may feel at risk for falling, but do not have a physical risk of falling. On the other hand, some older adults may not feel at risk for falling, but do have a physical risk of falling. This study is being done to test a preventative, in-home exercise program (called PEER) which may allow older adults to improve balance, align the perceived risk for falling with the physical risk for falling, and prevent falls. Participants will be asked to participate in this study for approximately 9 months. This study has three specific aims:1. Examine differences in balance, fall risk, and physical activity after program completion, follow-up 3 months and 6 months between older adults (OAs) in the Physio-fEedback Exercise pRogram (PEER) intervention and OAs in attention control (AC) condition.2. Explore differences in exercise adherence and the proportion of shifting in fall risk appraisal and negative self-perception on aging after program completion, follow-up 3 months and 6 months between OAs in the PEER intervention and OAs in AC condition.3. Explore participants' experiences with the PEER intervention and potential barriers to access and adoption of the technology-based PEER intervention to inform future research.Participants will be asked to participate in this study for approximately 9 months. This includes the baseline assessment, 8 weeks of PEER activities or attention control activities, and follow-up assessments at 3 months and 6 months. After the informed consent and completion of the baseline assessments, participants will be randomized to either the PEER intervention or the attention control (AC) group. Participants in the PEER intervention group will be asked to participate in group exercises (60 minutes per week for 8 weeks) and home-based exercises (twice a week for 8 weeks) that focus on balance, strength training with a peer coach. Participants in the AC group will receive an information pamphlet developed by the CDC about falls called Simple Exercises for Improving Balance and Preventing Falls in Older Adults. Topics include information on fall risks, how to prevent falls, how to check for safety, postural hypotension, and chair rise exercises. The control group will be encouraged to discuss fall prevention with a primary care provider and continue normal activities.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is the Technology-based Body and Mind Intervention for Fall Prevention in Older Adults safe?

The Physio-Feedback and Exercise Program (PEER), which is part of this intervention, has been shown to be safe for older adults. In a study with 19 participants, there were no falls reported, and the program was well-received with high attendance.12345

How is the Technology-based Body and Mind Intervention for Fall Prevention in Older Adults treatment different from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it combines technology-based physio-feedback, cognitive reframing, and peer-led exercises to improve balance and strength, making it more engaging and potentially more effective than traditional exercise programs. It uses the BTrackS Balance Tracking System to provide real-time feedback and track progress, which can help older adults better understand and manage their fall risk.23678

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment for fall prevention in older adults?

Research shows that the Physio-Feedback and Exercise Program (PEER) significantly improves balance, muscle strength, and reduces fall risk in older adults. Participants in the study experienced better dynamic balance and handgrip strength, with high attendance and no falls reported, indicating the treatment's effectiveness and safety.12358

Who Is on the Research Team?

LT

Ladda Thiamwong, PhD, RN

Principal Investigator

University of Central Florida

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking adults aged 60 or older, living independently without severe cognitive impairment (MIS score ≥ 5). It's not suitable for those in rehab or with uncontrolled heart conditions that limit exercise.

Inclusion Criteria

No marked cognitive impairment (Memory Impairment Screen (MIS) score ≥ 5)
I am 60 years old or older.
Understand English
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot exercise due to a heart condition that causes symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain during physical activity.
I am currently in a rehabilitation program.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete baseline assessments and are randomized into either the PEER intervention or attention control group

1 week

Treatment

Participants in the PEER group engage in group and home-based exercises focusing on balance and strength training for 8 weeks. The AC group receives educational materials on fall prevention.

8 weeks
Weekly group sessions and home exercises

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in balance, fall risk, and physical activity at 3 and 6 months post-treatment

6 months
Follow-up assessments at 3 and 6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • CDC older adults fall prevention
  • Cognitive reframing
  • Peer-led exercises
  • Physio-feedback
Trial Overview The study tests a home-based exercise program called PEER aimed at preventing falls by improving balance and aligning perceived fall risk with actual physical risk. Participants will either do group and home exercises or receive CDC fall prevention information.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Physio-fEedback Exercise pRogram (PEER) GroupExperimental Treatment3 Interventions
Group II: Attention Control (AC) GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Central Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials
101
Recruited
1,191,000+

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)

Collaborator

Trials
473
Recruited
1,374,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The 8-week PEER program, involving 19 older adults with a mean age of 76, significantly improved dynamic balance, handgrip strength, and reduced fall risk, demonstrating its efficacy in enhancing physical capabilities.
The intervention was feasible and safe, with an 87.5% attendance rate and no reported falls, indicating that the combination of physio-feedback, cognitive reframing, and peer coaching effectively motivated older adults to engage in physical activity.
Physio-Feedback and Exercise Program (PEER) Improves Balance, Muscle Strength, and Fall Risk in Older Adults.Thiamwong, L., Stout, JR., Sole, ML., et al.[2021]
The PEER intervention, involving visual feedback, cognitive reframing, and exercise, effectively shifted fall risk perceptions in 11% of older adults, while the control group showed no positive shifts and a higher rate of negative shifts (32%).
Participants in the PEER group experienced significant reductions in fall risk and reported high acceptability of the program, suggesting that such interventions can enhance both safety and exercise adherence among older adults.
Shifting Maladaptive Fall Risk Appraisal in Older Adults through an in-Home Physio-fEedback and Exercise pRogram (PEER): A Pilot Study.Thiamwong, L., Huang, HJ., Ng, BP., et al.[2021]
A 12-week peer-led exercise program significantly improved physical function in adults aged 50 and above, with notable enhancements in tests like the chair stand and 6-minute walk test.
Participants in the intervention group also reported lower stress levels and better perceived health, indicating psychosocial benefits, although there were no significant changes in metabolic health compared to the control group.
Peer-led exercise program for ageing adults to improve physical functions - a randomized trial.Bouchard, DR., Olthuis, JV., Bouffard-Levasseur, V., et al.[2021]

Citations

Physio-Feedback and Exercise Program (PEER) Improves Balance, Muscle Strength, and Fall Risk in Older Adults. [2021]
Shifting Maladaptive Fall Risk Appraisal in Older Adults through an in-Home Physio-fEedback and Exercise pRogram (PEER): A Pilot Study. [2021]
Peer-led exercise program for ageing adults to improve physical functions - a randomized trial. [2021]
Linking a peer coach physical activity intervention for older adults to a primary care referral scheme. [2023]
Optimizing a Technology-Based Body and Mind Intervention to Prevent Falls and Reduce Health Disparities in Low-Income Populations: Protocol for a Clustered Randomized Controlled Trial. [2023]
Walk with Me: a protocol for a pilot RCT of a peer-led walking programme to increase physical activity in inactive older adults. [2022]
'Managing pieces of a personal puzzle' - Older people's experiences of self-management falls prevention exercise guided by a digital program or a booklet. [2020]
An Interactive Home-Based Cognitive-Motor Step Training Program to Reduce Fall Risk in Older Adults: Qualitative Descriptive Study of Older Adults' Experiences and Requirements. [2020]
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