Fall Prevention Pathways
ConditionOld Age; Debility
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age65-85
SponsorEmory University
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Adults aged 65-85 years
Community-dwelling individuals classified as low to moderate fall risk based on standardized assessments, (i.e., the Stay Independent Screener)
Ability to ambulate independently or with a single-point cane
Willingness to participate in an 8-week intervention with remote monitoring
Disqualifiers
Severe cognitive impairment or a diagnosis of dementia that would affect adherence or ability to provide consent
Neurological or vestibular disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, history of stroke with residual balance impairment)
Severe comorbidities that significantly impact mobility and function (e.g., recent orthopedic surgery, unstable cardiac conditions)
Significant visual or hearing impairments that prevent engagement with digital health interventions
Trial design
Design model
Single group
Treatments tested in this trial
The Fall Prevention Pathway (FPP)
BehavioralThe 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.
Treatment groups
50 Participants
are divided into 1 treatment groupGroup A: The Fall Prevention Pathway (FPP)Experimental treatment 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Adherence 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)2
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-interventionSecondary outcomes
1
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)2
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)3
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)4
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)Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Emory University
Lead sponsor
medbridge
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov