What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

The most common treatments for reducing fall risk in older adults, such as computerized cognitive-training programs, work by enhancing cognitive abilities and executive functions. These programs improve attention, memory, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for maintaining balance and coordination. By strengthening these cognitive domains, patients can better navigate their environment, make quicker decisions, and avoid obstacles, thereby reducing the likelihood of falls. This is particularly important for older adults who are at an elevated risk of falls due to cognitive decline.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for reducing fall risk, such as computerized cognitive-training programs aimed at enhancing cognitive abilities and executive functions, generally have minimal physical side effects. However, some individuals may experience mental fatigue, frustration, or stress, particularly if the training is intensive or not well-tailored to their cognitive level. Additionally, prolonged screen time can lead to eye strain or headaches. It is important for these programs to be designed with appropriate breaks and personalized difficulty levels to mitigate these potential side effects.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no specific FDA-approved drugs solely for the prevention of falls through cognitive enhancement. However, treatments that improve cognitive functions, such as certain medications for dementia (e.g., donepezil, memantine), may indirectly reduce fall risk by enhancing cognitive abilities. The computerized cognitive-training program being studied aims to improve executive functions and cognitive abilities, which are crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls in older adults. This approach aligns with non-pharmacological interventions that focus on cognitive rehabilitation to mitigate fall risk.

What other types of research exist?

Promising, novel alternatives to computerized cognitive-training programs for enhancing cognitive abilities and executive functions in patients at risk of falling include: 1) Tai Chi training, which has been shown to improve balance and reduce fall incidence in neurological disorders; 2) Mindfulness Yoga, which can reduce anxiety and depression, potentially improving overall cognitive function; 3) Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs, which offer a comprehensive approach to address various aspects of fall risk; and 4) Smartphone-based interventions, such as calendar training combined with physical activities like walking, which have demonstrated improvements in cognitive function.

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Behavioural Intervention

Digital Balance Training for Fall Risk Reduction (rSTAND Trial)

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Thomas Van Vleet, PhD

Research Sponsored by Posit Science Corporation

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Participant with at least one self-reported fall within the last 1 year or difficulty walking one half a mile or difficulty climbing one flight of stairs

Be older than 65 years old

Must not have

Participants with untreated psychiatric conditions, including substance abuse/dependence disorders, recent hospitalization, ongoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatment

Participants have a joint replacement surgery scheduled within the next 6 months

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up at 10 weeks

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial involves a computer-based training program aimed at improving brain functions like memory and attention. It targets older adults who are at a higher risk of falling and have limited treatment options. The program helps the brain adapt and improve, which can help these individuals stay independent and reduce fall risks. Computer-based cognitive training has been increasingly used to improve memory and attention in older adults, showing promise in enhancing cognitive functions and maintaining independence.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for US residents aged 65 or older who speak English fluently, have had a fall in the past year or struggle with walking/climbing stairs. They must be able to see, hear, and use a computer mouse or tablet well enough to do the program. People can't join if they've had recent major joint surgery/injury, regularly use mobility aids like walkers/wheelchairs, suffer from certain vertigo conditions or severe untreated psychiatric issues.

What is being tested?

The study tests a digital cognitive-training program aimed at improving balance and reducing falls among older adults by enhancing cognitive functions related to fall risk. Participants will engage with this computerized training designed for those without long-term treatment options.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this intervention involves cognitive exercises on a computer rather than medication, traditional side effects are not expected. However, participants may experience eye strain or mild frustration during the tasks.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I have fallen in the past year or have trouble walking or climbing stairs.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I do not have untreated psychiatric conditions or substance abuse issues, and I am not currently receiving cancer treatment.

Select...

I am scheduled for joint replacement surgery in the next 6 months.

Select...

I regularly use a walker or wheelchair.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ at 10 weeks

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~at 10 weeks

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and at 10 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Net Promoter Score

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Experimental TreatmentExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Computerized plasticity-based adaptive cognitive training requiring a total maximum of 50 treatment sessions, 5 sessions per week, \~30 minutes per session.

0 / 4Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The most common treatments for reducing fall risk in older adults, such as computerized cognitive-training programs, work by enhancing cognitive abilities and executive functions. These programs improve attention, memory, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for maintaining balance and coordination. By strengthening these cognitive domains, patients can better navigate their environment, make quicker decisions, and avoid obstacles, thereby reducing the likelihood of falls. This is particularly important for older adults who are at an elevated risk of falls due to cognitive decline.