Fall Risk in Adults Over 65: The Relevance of Morphological and Functional Lower Limb Asymmetries.
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age65+
SponsorI.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio
About this trial
Falls among older adults represent a major public health burden. Approximately 30% of individuals aged 65 and older experience at least one fall each year. These events can lead not only to increased anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life but also to serious injuries or even death. Key risk factors include muscle weakness, gait disturbances, and balance impairments. Lower limb asymmetry-referring to differences in strength, flexibility, composition, or functional capacity between the two legs-has emerged as a potentially important yet underexplored contributor to fall risk in the elderly population. While asymmetry is frequently studied in the context of sports and physical performance, where it may affect both injury risk and athletic outcomes, its implications for balance and mobility in older adults remain insufficiently investigated. This study aims to examine the relationship between lower limb asymmetries and fall risk, with the goal of identifying predictive indicators and informing the development of more effective fall prevention strategies. Ultimately, a better understanding of this relationship could contribute to improved quality of life for older adults and a reduction in healthcare costs associated with fall-related hospitalizations.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Male or female, of any ethnicity.
Age ≥ 65 years.
Cognitively intact.
Independent ambulation.
Disqualifiers
Previous surgical treatments for orthopedic conditions performed within the six months prior to study inclusion.
Severe cardiac, pulmonary, or musculoskeletal disorders that may influence the assessment outcomes.
Comorbidities associated with increased fall risk, such as Parkinson's disease or stroke.
Body Mass Index ≥ 30.0.
Trial population
Men and women between the ages of 65 yr, able to walk without assistance, lived independently, and had no major cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal or neurological conditions participated in the study.
Trial design
Design model
Other
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Treatments tested in this trial
Not listed
Trial groups
No trial groups listed
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Timed Up and Go (TUG) test
A functional mobility test measuring dynamic balance and gait efficiency. Participants stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit; longer times indicate higher fall risk.
Time frame
At baseline2
5-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test (5-rep STS)
A lower-limb strength and functional performance test. Participants rise from a chair five times as quickly as possible; slower performance reflects reduced strength and increased fall risk.
Time frame
At baseline3
Balance test
balance assessment is conducted using Baiobit equipment from BTS Bioengineering. The maximal balance time in monopodalic will be considered (s)
Time frame
At baselineSecondary outcomes
1
Response time assessment
A visual reaction-time assessment using programmable light pods. Participants respond as quickly as possible to randomly illuminated targets by tapping them, allowing measurement of response time, decision speed, and stimulus-reaction efficiency. Shorter reaction times indicate better neuromotor responsiveness, while longer delays may reflect reduced processing speed and increased fall-risk vulnerability.
Time frame
At baseline2
Gait Analysis
A biomechanical assessment of walking performance using motion-capture technology. Spatiotemporal parameters (e.g., step length, gait speed, foot clearance) are recorded to evaluate dynamic stability, movement symmetry, and functional mobility, providing objective indicators associated with fall risk in older adults.
Time frame
At baseline3
Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
A self-reported measure of habitual physical activity. It quantifies weekly frequency and duration of walking, moderate activity, and vigorous activity, providing an estimate of overall activity level relevant to mobility and fall risk.
Time frame
At baseline4
Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I)
A validated questionnaire assessing fear of falling and confidence in performing daily activities. Higher scores indicate greater concern about falling, which is associated with reduced mobility and increased fall risk.
Time frame
At baselineSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov