Digital Exercise Program for Falls Prevention

(SF2 Trial)

DW
RM
Overseen ByRyan Moran, MD/MPH
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of California, San Diego
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 evaluate how well a digital exercise program prevents falls by improving balance, posture, and strength. It will assess the program's effectiveness for individuals at higher risk of falling and from lower socio-economic backgrounds. After an initial 12-week program, participants will continue practicing exercises digitally to determine if they can maintain their gains. This trial suits those aged 60 or older who can walk (with or without a cane or walker), have internet access, and can use Zoom. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance fall prevention strategies for at-risk populations.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this digital exercise program is safe for falls prevention?

Research has shown that online fall prevention programs are generally safe for participants. One study found that these programs help older adults improve balance, posture, and strength, which are crucial for preventing falls. Another study discovered that a 12-week online program not only reduced the risk of falls but was also easy for participants to manage. No major negative effects were reported, indicating these programs are safe to use. This evidence suggests that exercising online can safely help people improve balance and strength from home.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the digitally delivered fall prevention program because it offers a unique and accessible way to help prevent falls, particularly for those who might have difficulty attending in-person sessions. Unlike traditional fall prevention strategies that often require face-to-face interaction, this program uses digital technology to deliver strength, balance, and postural control exercises directly to users at home. This innovative approach not only increases convenience but also has the potential to reach a wider audience, including individuals in remote areas or those with mobility issues, making it a promising development in falls prevention.

What evidence suggests that this digital exercise program is effective for falls prevention?

Research shows that online exercise programs can help older adults reduce their risk of falling and improve their strength. This trial will evaluate a Digitally Delivered Fall Prevention Program, featuring a 12-week online course with exercises focused on posture, balance, and strength. Studies have found that such programs can make a noticeable difference. For example, one 60-minute session each week has helped participants improve their balance and strength. Previous programs have demonstrated that these online exercises are both feasible and well-received by users. Overall, digital health programs offer a promising way to increase activity levels and lower the risk of falls.24678

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 60 or older who can walk (with or without a cane or walker), read and speak English, have a low risk of falling according to the STEADI questionnaire, and have access to internet/computer with Zoom on a device with at least a 7-inch screen.

Inclusion Criteria

I scored 6 or less on the STEADI questionnaire.
You need to have internet access and a device with a screen that’s at least 7 inches in size to participate in the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Initial Treatment

Participants engage in a 12-week digitally delivered exercise program focusing on postural alignment, balance, and muscular strength.

12 weeks
Weekly virtual sessions

Extended Treatment

Participants continue practicing foundational exercises with reduced personalized instruction in a pooled cohort setting.

Beyond 12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 12 and 24 weeks post-intervention.

12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Digitally Delivered Fall Prevention Program

Trial Overview

The study tests if digitally delivered exercises can prevent falls in people at higher fall risk from lower socio-economic backgrounds. It builds on prior research by measuring balance, posture, strength benefits, and checking if ongoing digital content helps maintain improvements post-12-week program.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Exercise InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Diego

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,215
Recruited
1,593,000+

Citations

Strong Evidence: Randomized Digitally Delivered Fall ...

The investigators have successfully completed a pilot project focused on feasibility and user acceptability of a digitally delivered program ...

A Digital Health Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults

The Bold Fall Prevention Program provides a feasible strategy to increase PA and reduce the burden of falls among older adults.

Nonrandomized Interventional Study of a Novel, Digitally ...

Targeted exercise has been shown to improve fall risk, and recommendations for identifying and referring older adults for exercise-based ...

Digital Program Reduces Fall Risk and Boosts Strength in ...

The once weekly (60 minutes), 12-week online program combines postural alignment, balance exercises and strength training.

Randomized Digitally Delivered Fall-Prevention Exercise Trial ...

The investigators have successfully completed a pilot project focused on feasibility and user acceptability of a digitally delivered program for fall ...

Opportunities to Digitally Enable Falls Prevention in Older ...

In this article, we summarize the academic literature on digital falls prevention and propose future research directions for digital falls prevention.

Usability and Feasibility Pilot Exercise Cohort Study

This study aims to design and implement a synchronously delivered digital fall prevention program to adults aged 60 years and older.

Feasibility of a Multicomponent Digital Fall Prevention ...

This study has demonstrated the feasibility of a multicomponent digital fall prevention exercise intervention for at-risk older adults.