Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence in older adults, with evidence supporting exercise-based interventions and remote monitoring as effective strategies for reducing fall risk. However, adherence and engagement with such programs remain significant challenges. This study builds on prior research demonstrating the feasibility of digital health interventions in rehabilitation and extends it to a structured, remotely monitored Fall Prevention Pathway (FPP). Preliminary work in digital rehabilitation has shown positive engagement and clinical outcomes, supporting the need for further exploration of feasibility, adherence, and cost implications of remotely monitored fall prevention programs.
This study will evaluate the Fall Prevention Pathways (FPP) program, a digital rehabilitation intervention that assesses the impact of remote monitoring in reducing fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Participants will be enrolled in an 8-week intervention and followed for an additional 6 months. The study will assess feasibility, patient adherence, engagement, clinical outcomes, and cost implications. Data collection will occur at baseline (0 weeks), post-intervention (8 weeks), and follow-ups at 13 weeks (3 months) and 26 weeks (6 months).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
The Fall Prevention Pathway (FPP) is a digital progression of exercises \& patient education delivered through a web platform designed to improve balance, boost confidence, and reduce fall risk. The FPP enrolls participants in a Medbridge Pathway and provides remote monitoring by a clinician who personalizes programs and provides verbal education to help reduce fall risk.
Executive Park
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
RECRUITINGAdherence to program
Adherence will be measured as the number of participants who complete ≥3 days of activity per week
Time frame: At the end of the intervention (8 weeks)
Number of participants who complete the intervention
Number of participants (Retention rate) who remain in the study
Time frame: 3 months and 6 months post-intervention
30-Second Sit-to-Stand test
The number of sit-to-stand maneuvers completed in 30 seconds is used to measure leg strength and endurance. A higher score is better.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks (end of intervention), 3 months and 6 months (post-intervention)
Gait speed over 20 feet
Gait speed testing (Forward/Backwards/Fast): How quickly a person can walk within a 20-foot distance forward and Backwards using GAITRite. GAITRite is a pressure-sensitive walkway that can assess gait anomalies. Lower scores are better.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks (end of intervention), 3 months and 6 months (post-intervention)
Timed Up and Go Simple and Dual tasks (TUG, TUG Cognitive and TUG Manual)
Measures the time it takes to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, and return to the chair in the simple condition. In the Cognitive condition, one is required to simultaneously count backward by 3s from a number between 20 and 100; in the Manual condition, one is required to simultaneously pick up a cup of water and carry it while completing the task. A lower score is a better outcome.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks (end of intervention), 3 months and 6 months (post-intervention)
Tandem stance (from 4 stage balance test),
The tandem stance in the 4-Stage Balance Test is a static balance position where the participant stands with one foot directly in front of the other, with the heel of the front foot touching the toes of the back foot. It assesses static balance and postural stability by significantly narrowing your base of support. Screens for fall risk, specifically in older adults. Scoring: Time tracked: Measured using a stopwatch up to 10 seconds with eyes open. Pass criteria: Must maintain the heel-to-toe position for 10 full seconds without moving the feet or grabbing support/the tester. Stop condition: The test stops immediately if the person cannot reach the 10-second mark, meaning their final score is recorded at the highest stage successfully completed.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks (end of intervention), 3 months and 6 months (post-intervention)
Short Form 12-Quality of Life (SF12)
The SF12 evaluates the level of activity and perceived physical and mental quality of life. The SF-12 uses a standardized system with scores ranging from 0 to 100, where the general population's average is 50, with higher scores indicating better health. Because it measures relative deviation, the numbers represent the following health levels: Above 50: Better than average health. Exactly 50: Average health status. 40 to 50: Below average health (mild disability or impairment). 30 to 40: Moderate disability or impairment. Below 40: Severe impairment or disability.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks (end of intervention), 3 months and 6 months (post-intervention)
Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I)
The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) measures a person's level of concern or fear about falling while performing 16 everyday indoor and outdoor activities. Each activity is rated on a 4-point Likert scale from 1 to 4; with 1 = Not at all concerned; 2 = Somewhat concerned; 3 = Fairly concerned and 4 = Very concerned. All 16 item scores are added together for the final sum. Minimum Score: 16 (indicates no concern about falling) Maximum Score: 64 (indicates severe or extreme concern about falling)
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks (end of intervention), 3 months and 6 months (post-intervention)
Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC)
The Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale is a 16-item self-report questionnaire used to measure an individual's confidence in performing daily activities without losing their balance or feeling unsteady. Participants rate their self-confidence on a percentage scale from 0% (no confidence) to 100% (completely confident) for 16 specific tasks. The total score is added for all 16 items and divided by 16 to get the average percentage score. ≥ 80%: Indicates a high level of physical functioning and balance confidence. 50% to 80%: Indicates a moderate level of physical functioning. \< 50%: Indicates a low level of physical functioning. Higher scores indicate a higher level of functioning and a lower risk of falling, while lower scores (below 67%) often indicate a higher risk of falling. Score Interpretation: 16-19: Low concern about falling 20-27: Moderate concern about falling 28-64: High concern about falling
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks (end of intervention), 3 months and 6 months (post-intervention)
Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)
The PASE score combines information on leisure, household, and occupational activity. The PASE assesses the types of activities typically chosen by older adults (walking, recreational activities, exercise, housework, yard work, and caring for others. It uses frequency, duration, and intensity level of activity over the previous week to assign a score, ranging from 0 to 793, with higher scores indicating greater physical activity.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks (end of intervention), 3 months and 6 months (post-intervention)
Net Promoter Score (NPS)
The Net Promoter Score (NPS) will be used to measure the participants' satisfaction. A Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a customer loyalty and satisfaction metric that measures how likely a person is to recommend a company, product, or service to a friend or colleague. Businesses ask one simple survey question: "On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend us?" Promoters (Score 9-10): Loyal and enthusiastic fans who will keep buying and tell others. Passives (Score 7-8): Satisfied customers who are unenthusiastic and vulnerable to competitors. Detractors (Score 0-6): Unhappy customers who can damage your brand through negative word-of-mouth
Time frame: 8 weeks (end of the intervention)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.