Vibratory Stimulation to Improve Balance Recovery

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA · Jan 18, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new method called stochastic vibratory stimulation (SVS) to help older adults improve their balance and recover better from trips and falls. Falls are a major cause of injury in older people, and researchers believe that issues with sensing body position, known as proprioception, can make it harder to regain balance after tripping. The trial aims to see if SVS can enhance proprioception and help older adults with balance problems due to these deficits.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 65 years old and be able to understand the study instructions. Unfortunately, some individuals with severe balance issues or certain medical conditions, like stroke or Parkinson’s disease, cannot join. If you decide to participate, you'll undergo sessions with the SVS treatment, and researchers will monitor your balance and recovery throughout the trial. This study is not yet recruiting participants, but it could offer new hope for better balance and fall prevention in older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age 65 years or older
• • the ability to understand study instructions.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • disorders associated with severe motor and balance deficits, including stroke, Parkinson's disease, severe arthritis, lower-extremity amputation, spinal cord pathologies (e.g., spinal stenosis), and diabetes
• • history of severe vestibular disorder such as bilateral vestibular hypofunction or poorly-compensated unilateral vestibular hypofunction, or Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) \> 40
• • central nervous disease
• • cognitive impairment (MoCA score\<20)
• • vision problems including cataract, presbyopia, and similar problems that can influence balance
• • sedating medication or alcohol consumption within 24 hours.