Reactive Balance Training Targeting Both Slip- and Trip-Induced Falls

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Accidental Fall

In brief

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of reactive balance training (RBT) targeting slipping and tripping on laboratory-induced slips and trips. In an effort to build upon prior work, the present study included: 1) a control group receiving an alternative balance training intervention; 2) separate training and assessment sessions; 3) alternative RBT methods that may be more amenable to work outside the lab compared to prior methods, and 4) older adult participants receiving individualized training to reduce drop-out. The investigators hypothesized that slips after RBT would result in improved reactive balance kinematics, and a lower incidence of falls, compared to either initial slips before any intervention or after a control intervention. The investigators also hypothesized that trips after RBT would result in improved reactive balance kinematics, and a lower incidence of falls, compared to either initial trips before any intervention or after a control intervention. Results were intended to contribute to knowledge regarding the efficacy of alternative methods for RBT, and provide additional evidence regarding its efficacy.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT04308239

Run by

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

People needed

34

Starts

2018-06-01

Expected to finish

2019-07-01

Last updated by the study team

2020-05-18

Who can join

Age: 60 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• pass a medical history and screening administered by a physician that excluded participants with osteoporosis of the lumbar spine or proximal femur as assessed by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (Lunar iDXA, GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL), or any unstable or progressive medical conditions that could contribute to imbalance or falls

You may not qualify if…

• smoked
• were in physical therapy
• had a self-reported fragility fracture within the last 10 years
• had an acute lower extremity injury within the last 3 months
• had lower extremity surgery within the last six months
• had an ankle arthroplasty
• had a knee or hip arthroplasty within the last 12 months

Where it is running

• Virginia Tech - Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering — Blacksburg, Virginia, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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