Preventing Falls in Older Adults With Cognitive Frailty

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA · Feb 25, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at ways to help older adults who are at risk of falls due to cognitive frailty. Specifically, it aims to find out if a home-based exercise program combined with behavioral change techniques can significantly reduce the number of falls experienced by these individuals compared to a standard health education program. The trial will involve older adults aged 70 to 89 years who live in the Greater Vancouver area, have had a fall in the past year, and have some cognitive concerns, but do not have dementia.

To participate, individuals need to be able to walk independently, have access to the internet, and be able to safely engage in exercise. Participants will follow the study for 18 months, during which they will be guided through the exercise program and supported in making changes to their daily routines to help prevent falls. It's important to note that people with certain medical conditions, such as dementia or those who already engage in regular strength and balance training, will not be eligible for this study. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable information on how to keep older adults safer and more independent in their homes.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • We will include individuals who: 1) are aged 70 to 89 years\*; 2) live in Greater Vancouver; 3) are community-dwelling (i.e., not residing in a nursing home or extended care unit); 4) experienced a non-syncopal fall in the prior 12 months; 5) scored \< 9/12 on the SPPB; 6) have subjective cognitive complaints based on interview; 7) scored 18-25/30 on the MoCA; 8) are able to walk independently; use of cane is acceptable; 9) are able to safely engage in exercise as indicated by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire Plus (PAR-Q+) and confirmed by their physician; 10) have internet at home; and 11) are able to provide written informed consent.
• • The age maximum of 89 was set due to the increased risk of significant adverse health outcomes cognitively frail older adults face. As this population has an increased risk of falls, functional disability with loss of independence, hospitalization, and death, setting an age maximum aims to increase the likelihood that participants will be able to complete the 18-month study without interruptions due to health complications. This age limit has been reviewed and approved by CIHR.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • We will exclude those who are: 1) diagnosed with dementia, as measured by a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score above 0.5, a neurodegenerative disease, or stroke; 2) self-report engaging in strength training and/or balance training exercises \> 2 times per week, in the prior 3 months; or 3) unable to understand, speak, and read English proficiently.