Actively Recruiting
Short-term Neurophysiological Changes After a Perturbation-based Training in Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2025-09-24
88
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how perturbation-based training (PBT) compared to regular walking exercise affects postural stability and brain function in older adults. This assessor-blinded study will focus on community-dwelling individuals aged 60 and above, examining neurophysiological changes in brain structure and connectivity following these training methods. The study aims to understand how such training might influence balance and brain health over time. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the PBT group, which will receive two sessions of treadmill walking with induced perturbations to challenge balance, or the control group, which will perform two similar sessions of treadmill walking without perturbations. Each session lasts about an hour. The study will compare behavioral and MRI findings before and after the training to identify changes caused by the interventions. Postural stability retention will be checked four months after training, and falls will be tracked for 12 months. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including structural and functional MRI scans before and shortly after the intervention, along with various physical and cognitive tests. These include measures of postural stability, step recovery, muscle activation, balance confidence, cognitive flexibility, and mobility at multiple time points up to four months post-training. Falls will be monitored monthly for a year. This thorough evaluation will help researchers understand how training affects both physical balance and brain function in older adults.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Neurophysiological Changes After Perturbation-based Training in Older Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 260 years or older
- Living independently in the community
- Right-handed
- Able to communicate effectively in Cantonese or Mandarin
- Able to walk independently on level ground for at least 30 minutes
- Abbreviated Mental Test (Hong Kong version) score of 6 or higher
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of metal implants such as pacemakers or artificial cochleas
- Uncorrected vision or hearing impairments
- Osteoporosis
- Hip or knee replacement within the past year
- Musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, mental, or neurological disorders that affect MRI safety, balance control, or ability to exercise, including Parkinson's disease
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Screening and enrollment visit
Duration - Two sessions over approximately 1 week
Participants receive two sessions of treadmill walking at their comfortable speed. One group experiences perturbation-based balance training during walking, while the control group walks without perturbations.
2 visits (in-person)
Duration - Up to 12 months after training
Participants are assessed for retention of changes in postural stability and monitored for incidents of falls.
Monthly visits for 12 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sau Lan Tsang, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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