Transfer Effects of Stationary Bicycle Perturbation Training on Older Adults' Cycling Skills

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ERLANGEN-NÜRNBERG MEDICAL SCHOOL · Jun 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new training system called the Perturbation Stationary Bicycle Robotics (PerStBiRo) designed to help older adults improve their cycling skills safely. The researchers want to see if 20 short training sessions, each lasting about 20 minutes, can enhance the ability of older adults (ages 65 and older) to cycle safely. Participants will be tested on their cycling skills before and after the training using a special cycling course that includes various challenges.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be able to provide consent and be willing to take part in the training. They should also have made some mistakes in a pre-test cycling course, indicating they could benefit from the training. However, individuals with certain health issues, such as severe heart or lung diseases, recent surgeries, or significant cognitive impairments, will not be able to participate. If you or a loved one is interested, keep in mind that the trial is not yet recruiting participants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ability and willingness to provide informed consent and accept randomization to either study arm
• • Ability to come to cycle course testing locations
• • ≥3 errors in pre-test of cycle course
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe diseases e.g. ischemic heart disease which restricts exercise, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), uncontrolled blood pressure, manifest osteoporosis or any other disease leading to increased fracture risks
• • A period less than one year after hip or knee replacement surgery or after fractures of the lower extremities
• • Amputation of a lower limb
• • Neurological diseases or 6-month after a stroke
• • Inability to ambulate independently
• • Severe visual impairments (blindness), non-compensable hearing
• • Cognitive impairment, scoring less than 24 on the MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination), inability to understand and follow instructions
• • Participation in another intervention trial at the same time or within the previous 6 months