This study is now closed. Please refer to our Research Studies page to view our ongoing studies.
Study description/purpose
Falls in older people can be devastating as they can result in fractures, disability and deteriorated quality of life. In 2014/15, more than 100,000 Australians aged 65+ were hospitalized due to a fall. Recent evidence indicates that frail populations present with greater risk for falls and adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for diverse interventions applicable to healthy and at-risk populations.
This study seeks to determine:
• the neuromuscular and biomechanical mechanisms of falls due to trips and slips,
• the mechanisms of reactive balance training,
• the extent of retention of the training effect over one year.
What’s involved
Eligible participants will be asked to attend the Falls and Balance Research Laboratory at NeuRA (in Randwick) to undertake at least two or all the following appointments over a 12-month period:
Baseline Assessment (Visit 1 – up to 3 hours)
• Falls risk assessment
• Trip and slip assessment
• Training session i.e. slip and trip training only (if you have been randomised into the intervention group)
Training Sessions (Visits 2 to 6 – up to 2.5 hours)
• Training session i.e. slip and trip training only (if you have been randomised into the intervention group)
Reassessment (Visit 2 or 7 depending on randomisation – up to 3 hours)
• Falls risk assessment
• Trip and slip assessment
