Optimal Intensity of Reactive Balance Training for Healthy Older Adults

Launched by TORONTO REHABILITATION INSTITUTE · Oct 23, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new type of balance training called reactive balance training (RBT), which helps older adults improve their balance and reduce the risk of falls. The researchers want to find out if doing more challenging RBT (high-intensity) helps people improve their balance reactions faster than a less challenging version (moderate-intensity). They will compare how well participants improve their balance after going through these different training programs and see if these improvements last even after the training is over. Additionally, they want to understand how exactly balance reactions change with training.

To participate in this study, you need to be an older adult aged 65 to 80 who can stand and walk independently. However, if you have certain health conditions that affect your balance or cognitive abilities, or if you are currently in physical therapy, you may not be eligible. If you join the trial, you can expect to engage in balance training sessions and help researchers learn more about how to keep older adults safe from falls. Your involvement could contribute to developing better balance programs for the future!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Community-dwelling older adults (65-80 years old)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unable to stand independently without upper-limb support for \>30 seconds and/or walk independently (without a gait aid) for ≥10 metres;
• • Diagnosed neurological condition that could affect balance control (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease);
• • Score below normative values on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment;
• • Score below age-matched normative values for sensory and motor function, as assessed using the FallScreen battery;
• • Have insufficient English language comprehension such that they cannot understand instructions;
• • Have contraindications to reactive balance training such as severe osteoporosis; and/or
• • Are currently attending physiotherapy or supervised exercise.