A training platform for balance re-education in older adults.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The implementation of a high intensity and high challenge balance training platform for older adults.A feasibility study.
IRAS ID
218811
Contact name
Philip Rowe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Strathclyde
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Falls are considered a major health problem in community dwelling people. Exercises which involve balance and functional training reduces falls in older adults. However, the intensity of balance exercises has been questioned, as has the participation of older frail adults to falls prevention programs. We aim to train healthy and frail older adults using a new, instrumented, high challenge balance protocol, on a one to one basis in a safe clinical setting and with high intensity. A stability unit for re-education of older people (SURE platform) has been developed with an integrated virtual reality environment. Our main objective is to determine whether participation in this high challenge and high intensity balance training is feasible and acceptable. We will evaluate participants’ adherence to the program, explore the recruitment and application of the program and explore user suggested changes to the platform after the intervention.
In other words we are asking the following questions: ‘’ Is this balance training on the platform feasible for older adults?’’, ‘’Do people adhere to the training’’ or ‘’Is it too Challenging?’’ , ‘’Does a virtual reality feedback system increases the motivation in older adults?’’, ‘’Does a high intensity balance training shows any sign of improvement of the static or dynamic balance of older adults?”.
If high intensity balance training proved to be feasible for older adults then we can compare the effectiveness of low and high intensity balance training. This study will be conducted at the Clinical Research Facilities(CRF)at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
20/WS/0031
Date of REC Opinion
27 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion