Floor-hugging Intervention: Managing Fear of Falling Through Floor Exposure and Developing After-fall Contingency

Launched by KARLSTAD UNIVERSITY · Feb 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Floor-Hugging Intervention (Floor-HI) is a clinical trial designed to help people manage their fear of falling, which can be a serious concern for many. This fear often affects people's confidence in their balance and can make them avoid everyday activities, leading to increased anxiety and social isolation. The study focuses on teaching participants how to become more comfortable with the floor, which includes learning how to get down safely, practicing being on the floor, and developing skills to get back up. By participating in this program, individuals can work on both their physical abilities and their mental outlook, helping them feel more confident and secure in their movements.

To be eligible for the trial, participants should be healthy adults aged 18 to 64, able to perform daily activities on their own, and fluent in Swedish or English. They need to have a good cognitive score, indicating they can understand and follow instructions. However, those with certain medical conditions, like neurological or severe psychiatric disorders, or anyone currently doing other floor-based exercises, cannot participate. Each session lasts about an hour and takes place three times a week for three weeks. The trial will assess how well the program helps reduce fear of falling, improves balance, and enhances overall quality of life. This intervention could be a helpful way for people to feel more active and confident in their daily lives.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Participants must be healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 64.
• • Participants must be fluent in either Swedish or English.
• • Participants must have a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 23 or higher.
• • Participants must be able to perform activities of daily living independently.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Participants with neurological diseases (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, etc.).
• • Participants with musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, strains, etc.).
• • Participants with severe cognitive impairments (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score \< 23).
• • Participants with psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
• • Participants currently involved in any other exercise-based interventions that involves prolonged floor contact (e.g., yoga, martial arts, dance).