NCT04308239

Reactive Balance Training Targeting Both Slip- and Trip-Induced Falls

Reactive Balance Training Targeting Both Slip- and Trip-Induced Falls Among Older Adults: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 34 (actual)
• Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of reactive balance training (RBT) targeting slipping and tripping on laboratory-induced slips and trips. In an effort to build upon prior work, the present study included: 1) a control group receiving an alternative balance training intervention; 2) separate training and assessment sessions; 3) alternative RBT methods that may be more amenable to work outside the lab compared to prior methods, and 4) older adult participants receiving individualized training to reduce drop-out. The investigators hypothesized that slips after RBT would result in improved reactive balance kinematics, and a lower incidence of falls, compared to either initial slips before any intervention or after a control intervention. The investigators also hypothesized that trips after RBT would result in improved reactive balance kinematics, and a lower incidence of falls, compared to either initial trips before any intervention or after a control intervention. Results were intended to contribute to knowledge regarding the efficacy of alternative methods for RBT, and provide additional evidence regarding its efficacy.

Conditions

• Accidental Fall

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Reactive balance training	Participants were exposed to simulated trips and slips under safe, controlled conditions in order to practice their reactive response to these common balance perturbations.
BEHAVIORAL	Otago Balance Training	Balance exercises and strength exercises using ankle weights, and were progressively increased as performance improved by increasing ankle weights or the difficulty of the balance exercises (e.g., not holding onto a wall or support).

Timeline

• Start date: 2018-06-01
• Primary completion: 2019-07-01
• Completion: 2019-07-01
• First posted: 2020-03-16
• Last updated: 2020-05-18
• Results posted: 2020-05-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States