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
NCT ID NCT07891637
First seen Oct 23, 2026 · Last updated Oct 23, 2026
Summary
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
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 180 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Jan 2027
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Aug 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
65 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 65 years * Moderate balance impairment as indicated by best unipedal stance time \<10 seconds * Able to ambulate household distances and tolerate testing and training without an assistive device * No significant cognitive impairment (telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment \>18) * Functional vision and hearing (with correction if needed) * Comprehension of written and spoken English * Willing and able to study-required voice recorders * Limited physical activity (\<150 min/week moderate-vigorous), not in physical therapy, not presently in balance training programs (such as Tai Chi training). * Not having acute or chronic conditions which would significantly alter study participation and markedly bias the results: active or symptomatic cardiopulmonary conditions; active or unstable metabolic conditions such as labile glycemic control; alcohol intake \>3 oz/day; hemiplegia or lower limb amputation; acute medical conditions, such as acute flare-up of joint condition or infection; significant orthopedic or musculoskeletal condition that does not allow weight bearing. * Osteoporosis screening (only for subjects exposed to lab-induced trip): bone mineral density t-score \> -2.5 and no history of fragility fracture of the hip, spine, or wrist.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Accidental fall are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
-
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Faster platform pushes may speed up balance recovery after stroke
- Can blindfolded balance training outsmart falls in seniors?
- Hospital alarms may be doing more harm than good — study aims to find out
- Can simple exercises keep seniors on their feet? new study tests two approaches
- Fall-Proof your life: simple education cuts risks for seniors
- Remote tai chi may keep seniors on their feet