Long-Term Effects of Torso-Weighting

Torso weighting, using the balance-based torso-weighting (BBTW) method, is an intervention that addresses balance by first challenging stability in standing using a series of perturbations (nudges) and resisted rotations to people. Challenging stability allows the assessor to determine directional instability. Once the direction of instability is determined, small weights are placed on a vest-like garment and retesting of balance occurs. In this study, participants will be tested with no weights (NW), with sham weights (SW), and with BBTW weighting (WT). Following non-weighted baseline assessment, participants will be randomly allocated into the sham weight condition or BBTW weight condition in a cross-over design. The initial condition (NW) will last four weeks and the final two conditions (SW,WT) will last two weeks each. Following each condition, outcome measures will be reassessed. Throughout the study, participants will be asked to wear a commercially-available remote monitoring device (e.g., Fitbit Flex) and keep a daily log of physical activity and number of falls. During the SW and WT conditions, participants will wear the assigned garment for 2-4 hours daily.