Fall Prevention Training for Fall Risk

ZL
Overseen ByZongpan Li
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore
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?

This trial aims to assist older adults at high risk of falling by offering personalized training to improve balance and prevent falls. Participants will engage in a combination of lab and home-based exercises targeting balance and strengthening lower-limb muscles. This tailored training suits individuals who have experienced falls or walk with instability and can walk independently. Interested individuals should not have severe lower body pain or be part of another similar rehab program. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to receive personalized training that could significantly enhance their balance and quality of life.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

You can continue taking your current medications, but there should be no planned changes to them during the 3.5-month study period.

What prior data suggests that this training is safe for older adults?

Research shows that exercises focusing on balance and strengthening leg muscles are generally safe for older adults. Studies have found these exercises can lower the risk of falling. No major reports of problems have arisen from these exercises. Balance training, in particular, improves stability and reduces the fear of falling without causing harm. This suggests that the training is safe and beneficial for older adults at risk of falling.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Most treatments for fall prevention in individuals at risk focus on general exercise programs or assistive devices. However, the subject-specific training being studied is unique because it tailors balance and lower-limb muscle strengthening exercises both in the lab and at home to each individual's needs. Researchers are excited about this personalized approach because it could lead to more effective and efficient fall prevention by directly addressing the specific weaknesses and challenges of each participant, potentially reducing falls more effectively than one-size-fits-all solutions.

What evidence suggests that this subject-specific training is effective for fall prevention?

Studies have shown that exercises focused on balance and strengthening leg muscles can help prevent falls in older adults. These exercises not only reduce the risk of falling but also improve stability. Research indicates they can also lessen the fear of falling, enhancing overall quality of life. In this trial, participants will engage in lab and home-based training, including balance training and lower-limb muscle strengthening. Tailoring exercises to individual needs has proven especially effective. These methods help older adults stay independent by improving balance and muscle strength.12345

Who Is on the Research Team?

LZ

Li-Qun Zhang

Principal Investigator

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults aged 60 to 85 who have fallen in the past year or walk unsteadily. They must be able to walk on their own, not have severe lower limb injuries or pain, and should not plan any medication changes during the study. A family member must be present at home for safety.

Inclusion Criteria

Have a family member at home for safety
I am between 60 and 85 years old.
I can walk by myself.
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

Cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score less than 25)
Enrollment in another lower limb rehabilitation program
Body weight over 280 lbs
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Participants undergo subject-specific fall prevention training in the lab and at home, including balance training and lower-limb muscle strengthening

6 weeks
1 visit per week (in-person), 3 sessions per week (home-based)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after training, with evaluations conducted two months post-training

8 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Subject-specific Training

Trial Overview

The trial tests two types of fall prevention training: one that participants can do at home and another that takes place in a lab setting. The goal is to see if personalized training based on individual falling patterns can reduce fall risks among older adults.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Lab and home-based trainingExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Lead Sponsor

Trials
729
Recruited
540,000+

Citations

Effectiveness of muscle strengthening and description ...

Recent studies have shown that the most effective interventions for preventing falls are based on balance training and lower limb muscle strengthening. The ...

Assessment of Fall Risks and Subject-specific Training for ...

The purpose of this study is to conduct subject-specific training on older adults with fall risks with combined home-hospital rehabilitation. This project will ...

Effectiveness of exercise interventions on fall prevention in ...

Several studies (23–28) have concluded that strength, balance, and aerobic-based training is effective in reducing falls among older adults in general and up to ...

Balance training reduces fear of falling and improves ...

The training program was feasible and effective in reducing fear of falling and improving dynamic balance and isometric strength in institutionalised older ...

A randomized controlled trial on impact of group exercise ...

A randomized controlled trial on impact of group exercise programme on fall risk, balance, strength, fear of fall and quality of life of older adults.