Evaluation of a Balance-recovery Specific Falls Prevention Exercise Program

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study aims to investigate the potential to train compensatory stepping and grasping reactions for the prevention of falls.

Detailed Description
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Physical activity and exercise have been shown to prevent falling in older adults, although the exact mechanisms by which exercise prevents falls is unclear. Compensatory stepping and grasping reactions are frequently used to prevent a fall to the ground following a loss of balance. Age-related impairment in these reactions may be related to an increased risk of falling. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate means for reversing age-related impairment in compensatory stepping and grasping reactions. A training program involving perturbation-evoked reactions will be evaluated. Comparison(s): Balance recovery ability before and after a 6-week training program will be assessed. Performance of the training group will be compared to a control group not receiving stepping and grasping training.

Official Title
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Development and Evaluation of a Perturbation-based Balance-training Program for Older Adults

Conditions
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Accidental Falls

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Balance training (exercise)
* Other: Flexibility and relaxation exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Community dwelling History of falls (at least 1 fall in the past 12 months) or poor balance Functional mobility (no dependence on mobility aids) Exclusion Criteria: Neurological or musculoskeletal disorder Cognitive disorder (e.g. dementia) Osteoporosis

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 64 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: PERT<br>Perturbation-based balance training. | Behavioral: Balance training (exercise)<br>* Perturbation-based balance training. 30-minute sessions three times per week for six weeks.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: CON<br>Flexibility and relaxation training. | Other: Flexibility and relaxation exercise<br>* 30-minute sessions, three times per week for six weeks.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ability to recover balance by stepping and grasping |  | Before and after 6-week intervention | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fall frequency; clinical measures related to balance and fall risk (e.g. FallScreen, Community Balance and Mobility Scale, balance confidence) |  | One year post-intervention | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Exercise, Rehabilitation, Postural Balance, Accidental Falls, Geriatrics