Effects of a Novel Perturbation Balance Training Program on Laboratory and Real-World Trip-Induced Losses of Balance and Falls Among Balance-Impaired Older Adults

Authors
Category Primary study
Registry of TrialsClinicalTrials.gov
Year 2026
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a novel balance training stepping exercise can reduce the risk of falling among adults over the age of 65. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does the novel stepping exercise improve laboratory-based measurements of balance and fall rate? * Does the novel stepping exercise improve real-world measurements of balance and fall rate? Researchers will compare the novel stepping exercise to 1) a more established stepping exercise that requires more expensive equipment, and 2) a more established general exercise program focusing on strength and standing balance without stepping. Participants will: * complete their assigned exercise intervention twice a week for three weeks, then complete booster sessions of their assigned exercise intervention once a month during months 1-5 after completing the initial three weeks of intervention * complete laboratory sessions to test their balance: a) before intervention, b) 1 week after intervention, and c) 6 months after intervention * use a wearable sensor daily for 12 months after intervention to capture any loss of balance or fall events
Epistemonikos ID: 522457dcd132b71cca12f68e1174fde2726e9cbe
First added on: Oct 24, 2026