Effects of a Novel Perturbation Balance Training Program on Laboratory and Real-World Trip-Induced Losses of Balance and Falls Among Balance-Impaired Older Adults

You may be eligible if

• Age ≥ 65 years
• Moderate balance impairment as indicated by best unipedal stance time \<10 seconds
• Able to ambulate household distances and tolerate testing and training without an assistive device
• No significant cognitive impairment (telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment \>18)
• Functional vision and hearing (with correction if needed)
• Comprehension of written and spoken English
• Willing and able to study-required voice recorders
• Limited physical activity (\<150 min/week moderate-vigorous), not in physical therapy, not presently in balance training programs (such as Tai Chi training).
• Not having acute or chronic conditions which would significantly alter study participation and markedly bias the results: active or symptomatic cardiopulmonary conditions; active or unstable metabolic conditions such as labile glycemic control; alcohol intake \>3 oz/day; hemiplegia or lower limb amputation; acute medical conditions, such as acute flare-up of joint condition or infection; significant orthopedic or musculoskeletal condition that does not allow weight bearing.
• Osteoporosis screening (only for subjects exposed to lab-induced trip): bone mineral density t-score \> -2.5 and no history of fragility fracture of the hip, spine, or wrist.