Actively Recruiting
Spinal Networks of Balance Learning and Retention in Older Adults
Led by University of Florida · Updated on 2025-05-13
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
83 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Florida
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Age-related balance and walking issues increase fall risks, leading to injuries, higher healthcare costs, reduced quality of life, and increased morbidity/mortality rates. Preserving functional ability is a crucial public health priority, with the potential to reduce healthcare costs and enhance older adults' quality of life. Declines in balance and walking ability threaten independence. These declines are attributed to spinal network impairments and may be mitigated by targeted interventions aimed at addressing age-related spinal cord impairment to enhance functional outcomes. However, there is a lack of research into how the aging spinal cord affects balance/walking. In older adults, the spinal cord is less excitable, conducts signals more slowly, and is subject to neural noise. Intervening on age-related impairment of the spinal cord to improve balance/walking ability is a very promising but untapped area of research. A therapeutic approach that combines dynamic balance training with non-invasive electrical spinal stimulation may be effective in preserving functional abilities. This study tests whether electrical stimulation of the spinal lumbar regions is more beneficial than sham stimulation.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Spinal Networks of Balance Learning and Retention in Older Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 65 and 95 years
- Resting systolic blood pressure less than 180 mmHg and diastolic less than 100 mmHg
- Visual acuity of 20/70 or better as measured by Snellen eye chart
- Preferred walking speed slower than 1.0 meters per second over 10 meters
- Berg Balance Scale score less than 45 indicating balance problems
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of 26 or higher indicating no cognitive impairment
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed neurological disorders or symptoms consistent with conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or stroke
- Severe arthritis, such as awaiting joint replacement
- Current cardiovascular, lung, or kidney disease; untreated diabetes; or terminal illness
- Heart attack or major heart surgery within the past year
- Cancer treatment within the past year except for certain skin cancers or early stage breast or prostate cancer
- Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder
- Taking medications affecting the central nervous system such as benzodiazepines or anti-cholinergic drugs
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure at rest (systolic over 180 mmHg or diastolic over 100 mmHg)
- Bone fracture or joint replacement in the past six months
- Enrolled in another clinical trial currently
- Planning to move away during the study period
- Non-English speaking
- Clinical judgment by the investigative team indicating exclusion
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Brain Rehabilitation Research Center
Gainesville, Florida, United States, 32608
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jungyun Hwang, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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