Self-initiated Perturbation-based Training in Older Adults

Effect of Self-initiated Perturbation-based Balance Training on the Postural Stability of Community-dwelling Older Adults With An Increased Risk of Falling: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This is a single-blinded study. Participants will be randomly assigned to self-initiated perturbation-based balance training (SePBT) group or control (conventional balance training) group. Kinematic and Kinetic changes following SePBT group compared to control will be investigated.

Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups receiving SePBT or control group. All participants will give their written informed consent before baseline assessment. The study will be reported and conducted in line with the CONSORT statement. Participants will be recruited via convenient sampling in the local community. After baseline assessment, both groups will go through two 30-minute training session over two weeks. Between-group differences in behavior will be examined before and after training to identify training-induced changes in postural stability. Retention of the changes in the postural stability will be assessed four months after the training period. Incidents of falls will be followed up for 12 months after training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Community-dwelling adults aged 60 years old or older
• 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) scores≥6
• Have fallen in the preceding year, have concerns about falling, or feel unsteady while walking or standing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Uncorrected vision or hearing impairment
• Osteoporosis
• Have a historyof hip or knee replacement
• Have musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, mental, or neurological disorders that preclude their participation in the assessment or intervention safety
• Participating or planning to participate in another fall prevention program.