Approximately one-third of older adults report one or more falls each year, with devastating physical, psychological, social, and financial consequences. Conventional gait analysis performed in a controlled laboratory environment can identify balance deficits, but unfortunately, such tools are bulky, time-consuming, and dependent on qualified technicians to properly collect and evaluate the data. Furthermore, these one-time gait and balance assessments cannot monitor changes in ambulatory strategies longitudinally and do not reflect performance in real-life environments, where falls commonly occur. While recent developments in smartphone-based evaluations have demonstrated great utility and accuracy in assessing gait performance, it is vital to evaluate participant compliance, ease-of-use, and feasibility of this technology using a smartphone in the home environment. It is also paramount that interventions which improve balance be accessible to older adults. While four-week balance training routines have been shown to improve balance performance among older adults, it is unknown whether such interventions can be conducted remotely in a safe and compliant manner. Furthermore, the retention of balance function following intervention is unclear. Subsequently, the goals of this study are to evaluate technology that can both remotely monitor balance and prescribe intervention to older adults. With the current burdens on the health care system and the burgeoning population of older adults, it is essential that tools be provided to older adults that are easy to follow, attractive, and improve balance performance. Therefore, the objective of this project is to investigate the utility of a valid, easily accessible, smartphone application to assess balance and provide personalized exercise for older adults as a stand-alone, field-based medical device. The aims of this proposal are to (1) utilize a smartphone application to longitudinally evaluate gait and standing balance over an 8-week period in the home environment among 30; and (2) determine the feasibility and efficacy of a smartphone application to promote exercise and evaluate gait changes for up to 2 months in this older adult population following a 4-week balance intervention. The long-term goal of this project is to provide a holistic home-based gait monitoring and intervention tool for integration in routine clinical care.
Age range
65 Years – 90 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Dual Task Gait Velocity
Timeframe: Baseline
Dual Task Gait Velocity
Timeframe: One-month following baseline
Dual Task Gait Velocity
Timeframe: Two-months following baseline