Can blindfolded balance training outsmart falls in seniors?
NCT ID NCT07797699
First seen Sep 01, 2026 · Last updated Sep 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests two exercise programs to see which better improves balance, reduces falls, and boosts quality of life in adults aged 60 and older. One group follows the Otago Exercise Program, a standard routine of leg strengthening and balance moves. The other group does balance exercises while blindfolded, using a harness or support bars, to force the body to rely on inner-ear and muscle senses. Each group trains three times a week for six weeks, and researchers measure balance, walking speed, and quality of life at the start, middle, and end of the trial.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Two exercise programs: the Otago Exercise Program (leg strengthening and balance exercises) and Blindfolded Exercise (balance moves with eyes covered, using a harness or support bars).
- What this could lead to
- If one program proves better, it could point to a more effective way to prevent falls and improve quality of life in older adults.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Blindfolded exercise carries a risk of falls, though a harness or support bars are used for safety.
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
-
40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
May 2026
- Finished
-
Jul 2026
- 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
-
60 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * History of fall within last 3 months. * Berg balance should be less than or equal to 40. * Patient age 60 and above. * Romberg test positive. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants having cognition problems or a language barrier. * Physical disability (fracture or amputation). * Patient those have Secondary neurological condition (Parkinson's disease, stroke). * Previous surgery for last 6 weeks. Unstable Cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.
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
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Physioworks
Peshawar, KPK, 25000, Pakistan
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can the shape of your foot arch predict your balance?
- Can a Dual-Task test predict falls in the elderly?
- Brain waves reveal how we stay upright: new study links visual attention to balance
- Parkinson's patients test VR and brain games to steady their steps
- Hospital alarms may be doing more harm than good — study aims to find out
- Shock and stride: new combo therapy aims to steady kids with CP