None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Decline in cognition and physical function often occurs simultaneously and increase falls risk in older people. Previous research has shown that step training reduces falls risk as well as improving cognition. Previous research has also shown that combining motor and cognitive training would induce greater cognitive improvements than individual motor or cognitive training. Therefore, we have created ReacStep, a novel step training program with an added cognitive component. it requires minimal equipment and can be individually tailored to older adults with a range of physical functional levels. This trial will examine the effects of the ReacStep program on fall risk and cognitive function in older adults. We hypothesise the the ReacStep program will improve fall risk and cognition in healthy older adults. If this study is successful at improving fall risk and cognition, it will provide a basis for a larger clinical trial and a feasible solution for preventing falls and dementia in older adults, and can be a new training program that health professionals can use in their practice.
Interventions
The intervention group will undertake a 6 week supervised step training session consisting of warm-up exercises, reactive step training (with an added cognitive component) and volitional step training, once a week lasting 45 minutes each session. Within this 6 week training period, they will also complete a home-based lower limb strength training twice per week, lasting 15 minutes each session. The step training will be supervised by (an exercise physiologist) and the intensity will be tailored
The intervention group will undertake a 6 week supervised step training session consisting of warm-up exercises, reactive step training (with an added cognitive component) and volitional step training, once a week lasting 45 minutes each session. Within this 6 week training period, they will also complete a home-based lower limb strength training twice per week, lasting 15 minutes each session. The step training will be supervised by (an exercise physiologist) and the intensity will be tailored according to individual capacity. Reactive step training will involve learning rapid and elevated reactive stepping using a manual tether-release technique. A 7-14cm height foam block will be used to train elevated and rapid stepping responses. The cognitive component of it involves the participant memorising and reciting words in order. The volitional step training will involve stepping on to a slippery plastic sheet with progressively lengthened slip targets. An attendance checklist will be used to monitor attendance to training sessions. The home-based lower limb strength training will be conducted at home (twice/week). It involves the warm-up of quad stretch, hamstring stretch and hip flexor stretch (1 set of 20 seconds), and the exercises high knee with resistance band, standing hip abductions with resistance band, standing glute kickbacks with resistance band, and squats with resistance band (1 set of 20 repetitions). Participants will receive a link to a home exercise video (exercise demonstrations for their training program). Exercise diaries and weekly SMS survey will be used to monitor adherence to training program.
Sponsors
Neuroscience Research Australia
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
• Living independently in the community • Able to walk 50 metres without mobility aid or resting
Exclusion criteria
• Diagnosed neurological diseases (Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and dementia) • Existing conditions that prevent exercise (e.g. severe pain, heel ulcers, exercise intolerance), or advised by a medical practitioner not to exercise • History of lower limb, pelvis or vertebral fracture(s) or lower limb joint replacement(s) in the past 6 months
Outcome results
None listed