Neuromechanisms of Falls in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Assessment and Training of Reactive Balance Control

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study older adults with mild cognitive impairment (OAwMCI) who often have more balance and walking problems than cognitively intact older adults (CIOA), leading to a higher risk of falls and reduced mobility. The study focuses on understanding how combined cognitive and physical challenges affect balance and brain function, aiming to improve fall prevention strategies using new training methods. The study is a stage 1 pilot designed to test the feasibility and effects of a novel training approach. Participants will engage in a dual-task perturbation training using a motorized treadmill that delivers controlled balance disturbances while they perform cognitive tasks. The training includes playing cognitive games targeting memory, executive function, visuomotor skills, and language while standing and walking. Participants will experience slips on the treadmill both with and without cognitive tasks to train reactive stepping and balance control. The study includes single and multiple session groups over four weeks. During the study, participants will be assessed on their balance, muscle responses, walking patterns, and cognitive function before, immediately after, and four weeks following training. Measurements include stability during slips, walking step length and cadence, accuracy on cognitive tests, brain imaging, and questionnaires on physical activity and perceived task load. The study also monitors safety through heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The total involvement lasts at least four weeks with follow-up assessments to evaluate lasting effects on fall risk and mobility.

Dual Task Perturbation Training for OAwMCI