This study evaluates physiological measurements and their role in among falls in healthy elderly (65yr or older) or elderly suffering from osteoporosis. The study further seeks to evaluate if dancing can be used as training for preventing falls.
This study seeks to examine the relationship between strength, postural control and bone mineral density on the risk of falling among elderly (65 yr or older). The study will carried out on osteoporosis patients and healthy, matched controls. The study further seeks to examine whether a dancing intervention may improve any of these parameters, resulting in a decreased risk of falling.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
180
One hour of training, twice a week, for six months.
SMI, Aalborg University
Aalborg, Denmark
RECRUITINGFalls
Number of falls
Time frame: Changes from baseline at 6- and 18 months
Postural stability
Postural sway measured using a high resolution three-dimensional force platform
Time frame: Changes from baseline at 6- and 18 months
Pain intensity rating: McGill Pain Questionnaire
Pain on an 11-point numerical rating scale (0 = no pain, 10 = most intense pain imaginable), indicating pain areas on a body chart and filling out a McGill Pain Questionnaire
Time frame: Changes from baseline at 6- and 18 months
Physical Activity
Evaluation of physical activity using the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE) questionnaire
Time frame: Changes from baseline at 6- and 18 months
Fitness assessment
Evaluation of fitness using the Fullerton Functional Fitness Assessment. The test is a 6-item test. The score in each of the six tests is assessed separately and will not be used to provide a total score of the six tests.
Time frame: Changes from baseline at 6- and 18 months
Dynamical balance assessment
Evaluation of the dynamical balance using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), which is a 14-item test, scored on a 3-level ordinal scale. The scale ranges from 0-28, with a higher score representing better dynamical balance.
Time frame: Changes from baseline at 6- and 18 months
Bone mineral density
Bone mineral density (g/cm2) measured at spine (L1-L4) and hip, using a Hologic DXA scanner.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Changes from baseline at 18 months
Gait variability
Kinematic analysis of gait, recorded using the Xsens system
Time frame: Changes from baseline at 6- and 18 months
Cognitive function
A n-back test is performed. Total number of substractions and number of mistakes made are evaluated.
Time frame: Changes from baseline at 6- and 18 months