Intrinsic Foot Muscle Strengthening Interventions for Older Adults

Launched by SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE · Apr 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how two simple foot-strengthening exercises can help older adults prevent falls. Falls are a serious concern for people over 65, as they often lead to injuries. The study aims to see if improving the strength of foot muscles can help with balance and reduce the risk of falling.

To participate in the trial, you need to be able to walk around your home, even if you use a walking aid. You may be eligible if you feel unsteady, worry about falling, or have fallen in the past year. Participants will be asked to perform the foot-strengthening exercises and may also undergo balance tests. It's important to know that some people won't qualify for the study, such as those with certain foot conditions or recent injuries. This research could lead to new ways to help older adults stay safe and active!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Can ambulate household distances (16 meters) with or without an assistive device
• • Have fall risk based on a "yes" to any of the Three Key Questions Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking? Do you worry about falling? Have you fallen in the past year? OR
• • Have a fall risk based on Timed Up and Go score (\> 12 seconds)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • poor foot sensation (Semmes-Weinstein)
• • lower extremity amputations
• • lumbar spine or lower extremity injury or surgery in the past 6 months
• • impaired cognitive ability to follow verbal or written instructions (MMSE)
• • vestibular disorders
• • based on self-report and/or the Vestibular Screening Tool (score \> 4)
• • participation in a fall prevention program in the previous 6 months