The Effects of Light-Targeted Balance Training on Balance, Functional Performance, and Fear of Falling in Individuals With a History of Falls

Uskudar University50 enrolled

Overview

In recent years, exercise programs based on visual stimuli have been reported to improve balance and motor control . However, studies investigating the effects of light-targeted balance training on balance, functional performance, and fear of falling in individuals with a history of falls are limited. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of light-targeted balance training on balance, functional performance, and fear of falling in individuals with a history of falls. In addition, the study aims to investigate whether this training method provides additional benefits compared with traditional balance training. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of rehabilitation programs aimed at preventing falls.

Inclusion Criteria 1. Having experienced at least one fall within the previous 12 months. 2. Being 18 years of age or older. 3. Being able to walk independently or with the assistance of a walking aid. 4. Being able to understand and follow verbal and visual instructions. 5. Providing voluntary consent to participate in the study and signing the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria 1. Presence of an acute orthopedic injury or an active musculoskeletal condition causing pain. 2. Having undergone lower extremity surgery within the previous 6 months. 3. Having advanced neurological disorders (e.g., advanced Parkinson's disease, advanced dementia). 4. Having severe vestibular dysfunction or significant visual impairment. 5. Having a cardiovascular condition that contraindicates exercise. 6. Having advanced systemic diseases that significantly impair balance.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 95 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * History of at least one fall within the past 12 months * Age 18 years or older * Ability to walk independently or with an assistive device * Ability to understand and follow verbal and visual instructions * Voluntary participation in the study and provision of written informed consent by signing the informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Acute orthopedic injury or an active musculoskeletal condition causing pain * History of lower extremity surgery within the past 6 months * Advanced neurological disorders (e.g., advanced Parkinson's disease, advanced dementia) * Severe vestibular dysfunction or significant visual impairment * Medical conditions that contraindicate exercise due to severe cardiovascular disease * Advanced systemic diseases that severely affect balance

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Balance Performance (Berg Balance Scale)

Balance performance is assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The scale consists of 14 functional tasks scored from 0 to 4. The total score ranges from 0 to 56, where higher scores indicate better balance and lower fall risk.