A Digital Balance Program With Comparison Group

Prospective, Balance Program Study With Comparison Group

This research study evaluates a digital musculoskeletal care program specifically focused on balance improvement and falls prevention. The primary goal is to determine if the program results in fewer falls compared to a comparison condition where people will get educational/information articles on falls prevention. Study participants are asked to participate in their assigned condition and complete surveys throughout the study.

The digital Balance Program is accessible through a smartphone or tablet and includes tailored exercise therapy, educational content spanning a variety of topics related to balance improvement and fall prevention, a personalized clinical approach to improving balance, and access to a board-certified health coach and physical therapist. The comparison group consists of a series of emailed articles on falls prevention. In addition to participating in the assigned condition, participants are asked to answer surveys that ask questions related to your balance, mental health, demographic information, and lifestyle. The surveys are sent before, during and at the end of the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• had an email account and owned a smartphone
• had a moderate-high fall risk based on the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) questionnaire (≥ 4 points)

Exclusion Criteria:

• undergone musculoskeletal surgery within three months prior to recruitment
• a history of opioid, alcohol, or drug abuse within the last year
• a diagnosis of cognitive, behavioral, neurologic, or psychiatric disorders
• any contraindication for light physical activity as directed by the prospective participant's doctor