Reactive Balance Training Targeting Both Slip- and Trip-Induced Falls

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University34 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Accidental Fall

Interventions

Reactive balance trainingBEHAVIORAL

Participants were exposed to simulated trips and slips under safe, controlled conditions in order to practice their reactive response to these common balance perturbations.

Otago Balance TrainingBEHAVIORAL

Balance exercises and strength exercises using ankle weights, and were progressively increased as performance improved by increasing ankle weights or the difficulty of the balance exercises (e.g., not holding onto a wall or support).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 60 YearsMax age: 80 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1\) 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: 1. smoked 2. were in physical therapy 3. had a self-reported fragility fracture within the last 10 years 4. had an acute lower extremity injury within the last 3 months 5. had lower extremity surgery within the last six months 6. had an ankle arthroplasty 7. had a knee or hip arthroplasty within the last 12 months

Locations (1)

Virginia Tech - Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Blacksburg, Virginia, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Peak Slip Speed

highest instantaneous speed of slipping foot during actual slip

Time frame: during week 1, before the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Peak Slip Speed

highest instantaneous speed of slipping foot during actual slip

Time frame: during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Trunk Angle at Touchdown After Tripping

anterior-posterior trunk angle relative to vertical at instant of touchdown of initial recovery step over tripping obstacle

Time frame: during week 1, before the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Trunk Angle at Touchdown After Tripping

anterior-posterior trunk angle relative to vertical at instant of touchdown of initial recovery step over tripping obstacle

Time frame: during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Secondary Outcomes

Slip Distance

distance moved by slipping foot during actual slip

Time frame: during week 1, before the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Slip Distance

distance moved by slipping foot during actual slip

Time frame: during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Fall Incidence After a Laboratory-induced Slip

the outcome of each slip was categorized as either a: fall, recovery, or harness-assisted

Time frame: during week 1, before the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Fall Incidence After a Laboratory-induced Slip

the outcome of each slip was categorized as either a: fall, recovery, or harness-assisted

Time frame: during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Recovery Step Length After Tripping

anterior-posterior step distance of first step over tripping obstacle

Time frame: during week 1, before the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Recovery Step Length After Tripping

anterior-posterior step distance of first step over tripping obstacle

Time frame: during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Fall Incidence After a Laboratory-induced Trip

the outcome of each trip was categorized as a: fall, recovery, or harness-assisted

Time frame: during week 1, before the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Fall Incidence After a Laboratory-induced Trip

the outcome of each trip was categorized as a: fall, recovery, or harness-assisted

Time frame: during week 4, after the intervention that spanned weeks 2 and 3

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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