Reactive Balance Training Targeting Both Slip- and Trip-Induced Falls Among Older Adults: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Accidental Fall
- Sponsor
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Enrollment
- 34
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Trunk Angle at Touchdown After Tripping
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 5 years ago
Overview
Brief 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.
Investigators
Michael Madigan
Professor
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •pass a medical history and screening administered by a physician that excluded participants with osteoporosis of the lumbar spine or proximal femur as assessed by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (Lunar iDXA, GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL), or any unstable or progressive medical conditions that could contribute to imbalance or falls
Exclusion Criteria
- •were in physical therapy
- •had a self-reported fragility fracture within the last 10 years
- •had an acute lower extremity injury within the last 3 months
- •had lower extremity surgery within the last six months
- •had an ankle arthroplasty
- •had a knee or hip arthroplasty within the last 12 months
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Trunk Angle at Touchdown After Tripping
Time Frame: during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3
anterior-posterior trunk angle relative to vertical at instant of touchdown of initial recovery step over tripping obstacle
Peak Slip Speed
Time Frame: during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3
highest instantaneous speed of slipping foot during actual slip
Secondary Outcomes
- Fall Incidence After a Laboratory-induced Slip(during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3)
- Recovery Step Length After Tripping(during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3)
- Slip Distance(during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3)
- Fall Incidence After a Laboratory-induced Trip(during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3)