A study of fall prevention in people with memory problems
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A proof-of-concept study of an exercise and dual-task based fall prevention intervention in community dwelling older adults with mild dementia.
IRAS ID
187303
Contact name
Pip Logan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 8 days
Research summary
This study will explore the concept of carrying out fall prevention in older people with mild dementia. The aim of the study is to determine if a combined physical and cognitive rehabilitation programme can be completed in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and to measure the programmes impact on walking and balance measures. The study will use a non-randomised, repeated measures design. There is no blinding or control group. The participants will be recruited from Memory Assessment Services clinic's run by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust for people having problems with their memory and other thinking skills. To be eligible for the study the participants must be over 65 years old, be a resident in Nottingham and have a mild cognitive impairment indicated by a routine clinical test.
This study is an extension of our previous proof-of-concept study in this population. The study is led by Professor Pip Logan, the supervisor of Vicky Booth, a physiotherapist and PhD student who will be using the study results as part of her thesis.
The intervention is an individually-tailored strength, balance, and dual-task training programme completed for 60 minutes, twice a week, for six weeks. The programme will be supervised 1:1 in the participant’s home. The impact of the programme will be measured using walking and balance measures taken before and immediately after the 6 week programme. The tests will be completed at the University of Nottingham. Other measures related to falls will also be taken, such as the number of falls and physiological profile. Normal and dual-task (doing two things at once such as walking and talking) walking pattern will be measured using a computerised carpet with in-built sensors. Throughout the study any unexpected events will be documented and reported to the lead investigator. The University lone-working policy will be followed.REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/WM/0412
Date of REC Opinion
25 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion