Status:
UNKNOWN
Noise-Enhanced Sensory Function in Elders at Risk for Falls
Lead Sponsor:
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Conditions:
Aging
Somatosensory Deficit
Eligibility:
All Genders
70+ years
Phase:
NA
Brief Summary
The long-term goal of this project is to develop a non-invasive, noise-based technique for enhancing somatosensation and thereby improving balance control in elderly fallers and older adults with soma...
Detailed Description
Previous studies have shown that sub-sensory mechanical noise (i.e., random vibration with a small intensity) can enhance somatosensory function in healthy individuals and older adults with somatosens...
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion
- Participant must (1) have somatosensory deficit (mild to moderate sensory loss on the bottom of both feet) OR (2) be classified as a recurrent faller (two or more incident falls over a twelve-month period not related to syncope, major medical events, or overwhelming external hazards)
- Age 70 and older
- Able to stand unassisted for at least 60 seconds several times over a 30-minute period
- Able to walk without assistance from a walking aid
Exclusion
- Known history of seizures or fainting
- Unstable medical condition
- Open lesions or poor skin condition on feet
- Unable to cooperate with or understand the protocol
- Foot size larger or smaller than the constructed vibrating insoles (men's sizes smaller than 3 or larger than 12; women's sizes smaller than 4.5 or larger than 13.5)
Key Trial Info
Start Date :
April 1 2006
Trial Type :
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation :
ESTIMATED
End Date :
January 1 2009
Estimated Enrollment :
170 Patients enrolled
Trial Details
Trial ID
NCT00421759
Start Date
April 1 2006
End Date
January 1 2009
Last Update
December 14 2009
Active Locations (1)
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1
Applied Biodynamics Laboratory, Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02215