Randomized Trial of Arm-in-Arm Walking Exercise to Help Older Adults Improve Walking and Reduce Fall Risk

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating an innovative walking exercise program called arm-in-arm gait training to help older adults at risk of falling improve their walking abilities. The trial focuses on healthy aging by testing whether walking while synchronizing steps with a younger partner can reduce fall risk, improve gait quality, balance, mood, and well-being. This is a randomized controlled trial comparing this approach to standard walking without step synchronization. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will walk side-by-side without physical contact, choosing a comfortable pace, while the other group will walk arm-in-arm synchronizing their steps. Each training session lasts 30 minutes and is done three times a week for four weeks. Sessions may take place indoors to avoid bad weather. Gait quality assessments occur weekly during training and once more at week 7 after training ends. Participants will undergo evaluations including walking tests using sensors, functional assessments, and questionnaires measuring mood and physical activity. Falls will be tracked through online questionnaires every three months for 18 months after enrollment. The main outcome measured is walking speed at week 4, with additional measures of gait features, balance, mood, and fall frequency monitored throughout the study and follow-up period. The study also explores participant perceptions of the training.

Arm-in-Arm Gait Training Trial