Motor skill training therapy aims to improve the brain's control of walking and can improve clinic-based measures of walking in older adults. However, it is unknown whether the benefits of motor skill training extend to real world mobility measures. The investigators will test the effects of motor skill training on measures of community mobility of older adults and assess the mechanisms through improved motor control at the level of the brain. These results will inform intervention approaches to maintain community mobility of older adults and prevent disability and institutionalization.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
weight lifting to increase muscle strength
treadmill walking to increase endurance
stretches to improve flexibility
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Change in oxygenated hemoglobin at the prefrontal cortex from standing to walking
Physiologic measure indicative of usage of the prefrontal cortex during a task recorded by optical imaging (near infrared spectroscopy).
Time frame: change from baseline to 12 weeks
Change in oxygenated hemoglobin at the prefrontal cortex from standing to walking
Physiologic measure indicative of usage of the prefrontal cortex during a task recorded by optical imaging (near infrared spectroscopy).
Time frame: change from baseline to 36 weeks
Gait speed
Walking speed (m/s) during usual pace
Time frame: 12, 24, and 36 weeks
Gait speed
Walking speed (m/s) with a cognitive challenge.
Time frame: 12, 24, and 36 weeks
Gait speed
Walking speed (m/s) on an uneven surface.
Time frame: 12, 24, and 36 weeks
Gait variability
Fluctuations in gait characteristics from step to step during usual pace. Physiologic measure of temporal gait characteristics (standard deviation).
Time frame: 12, 24, and 36 weeks
Gait variability
Fluctuations in gait characteristics from step to step while walking with a cognitive challenge. Physiologic measure of temporal gait characteristics (standard deviation).
Time frame: 12, 24, and 36 weeks
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Intervention to encourage participants to be more physically active
stepping and walking patterns to improve timing and coordination of gait
Gait variability
Fluctuations in gait characteristics from step to step while walking on an uneven surface. Physiologic measure of temporal gait characteristics (standard deviation).
Time frame: 12, 24, and 36 weeks