Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Neural, Cognitive, and Biomechanical Determinants of Falls in Older Adults

United Arab Emirates80 participantsStarted 2026-12-31

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial with an embedded observational phase is to evaluate whether a phenotype-guided, personalized rehabilitation program can improve fall risk and underlying neural control mechanisms in older adults aged ≥65 years, including both high and low fall-risk individuals. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do older adults at high fall risk exhibit altered neural, neurocognitive, and biomechanical profiles compared with low/no fall-risk individuals? Does personalized rehabilitation guided by neurophysiological and neurocognitive profiles result in greater reductions in fall risk and improvements in motor control compared with conventional rehabilitation? Researchers will compare personalized phenotype-guided rehabilitation to conventional evidence-based fall-prevention exercise to determine whether targeted, mechanism-based intervention leads to superior clinical and mechanistic outcomes. Participants will: Undergo a comprehensive multimodal assessment including neurophysiological (EEG, EMG), neurocognitive (fNIRS, dual-task testing), and biomechanical (gait and balance) measures Be classified into fall-risk and neurophysiological control profiles based on assessment results (Phase 2 - high fall-risk participants only) be randomly assigned to either personalized rehabilitation or conventional rehabilitation Attend supervised exercise sessions 2-3 times per week for 8-12 weeks Complete gait, balance, and cognitive-motor assessments before and after the intervention Record falls prospectively using monthly fall diaries and follow-up monitoring over 3-6 months

Who can participate

Age range

65 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.

Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must meet all of the following criteria: * Age ≥ 65 years * Community-dwelling * Ability to ambulate independently (with or without assistive device) * Ability to understand instructions and provide informed consent Participants will be stratified into fall-risk categories based on established criteria: * High fall risk: history of ≥1 fall in the previous 12 months and/or impaired functional performance (e.g., TUG \> 13.5 s or BBS ≤49) * Low/no fall risk: no falls and preserved functional mobility These criteria are consistent with previously published fall-prevention trials. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants will be excluded if they have: * Neurological conditions affecting gait or balance (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease) * Severe musculoskeletal disorders limiting mobility * Severe cognitive impairment (e.g., inability to follow instructions or MoCA \< 18) * Uncontrolled cardiovascular or metabolic conditions * Current participation in structured rehabilitation programs * Contraindications to EEG, EMG, or fNIRS measurements

Questions worth asking your doctor

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.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

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.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Recruitment Rate

Timeframe: From initiation of recruitment until enrollment of the final participant, anticipated period of (12 months)

Participant Attrition Rate

Timeframe: From enrollment through the 3-6-month follow-up.

Supervised Intervention Attendance Rate

Timeframe: Throughout the 8-12-week intervention period.

Participant Satisfaction with the Intervention

Timeframe: Immediately after completion of the 8-12-week intervention.

Proportion of Participants with Usable Neurophysiological Data

Timeframe: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-12-week intervention

Proportion of Participants with Complete Biomechanical Data

Timeframe: Baseline, immediately after completion of the 8-12-week intervention, and at the 3-6-month follow-up.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07739056

SponsorUniversity of Sharjah

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-12-31

Contact for this trial

Aisha Salim Alsuwaidi, PhD

+971507373053 U25100059@sharjah.ac.ae

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Accidental Falls/Prevention & Control trials