RECRUITING

Spinal Networks of Balance Learning and Retention in Older Adults

Study Overview

This clinical trial focuses on testing the efficacy of different digital interventions to promote re-engagement in cancer-related long-term follow-up care for adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of childhood cancer.

Description

Age-related balance and walking issues increase fall risks, leading to injuries, higher healthcare costs, reduced quality of life, and increased morbidity/mortality rates. Preserving functional ability is a crucial public health priority, with the potential to reduce healthcare costs and enhance older adults' quality of life. Declines in balance and walking ability threaten independence. These declines are attributed to spinal network impairments and may be mitigated by targeted interventions aimed at addressing age-related spinal cord impairment to enhance functional outcomes. However, there is a lack of research into how the aging spinal cord affects balance/walking. In older adults, the spinal cord is less excitable, conducts signals more slowly, and is subject to neural noise. Intervening on age-related impairment of the spinal cord to improve balance/walking ability is a very promising but untapped area of research. A therapeutic approach that combines dynamic balance training with non-invasive electrical spinal stimulation may be effective in preserving functional abilities. This study tests whether electrical stimulation of the spinal lumbar regions is more beneficial than sham stimulation.

Official Title

Upregulating Spinal Circuits to Enhance Balance and Walking and to Increase Spinal Excitability in Older Adults

Quick Facts

Study Start:2025-01-22
Study Completion:2026-08-31
Study Type:Not specified
Phase:Not Applicable
Enrollment:Not specified
Status:RECRUITING

Study ID

NCT06517043

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Ages Eligible for Study:65 Years to 95 Years
Sexes Eligible for Study:ALL
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:Yes
Standard Ages:OLDER_ADULT
Inclusion CriteriaExclusion Criteria
  1. * age range: 65 to 95 years
  2. * no severe high blood pressure: Resting systolic \< 180 mmHg and diastolic \< 100 mmHg
  3. * no severe vision impairment: Visual acuity ≥ 20/70 as determined by Snellen eye chart
  4. * walking problem: Preferred walking speed slower than 1.0 m/s over 10 meters
  5. * balance problem: Berg Balance Scale score \< 45
  6. * no cognitive impairment: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 26 out of 30
  1. * diagnosed neurological disorder or injury of the central nervous system, or observation of symptoms consistent with such a condition (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, etc.)
  2. * severe arthritis, such as awaiting joint replacement
  3. * current cardiovascular, lung or renal disease; untreated diabetes; terminal illness
  4. * myocardial infarction or major heart surgery in the previous year
  5. * cancer treatment in the past year, except for nonmelanoma skin cancers and cancers having an excellent prognosis (e.g., early stage breast or prostate cancer)
  6. * current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder
  7. * currently taking medications that affect the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, anti-cholinergic medication, and GABAergic medication, among others
  8. * uncontrolled hypertension at rest (systolic \> 180 mmHg and/or diastolic \> 100 mmHg)
  9. * bone fracture or joint replacement in the previous six months
  10. * current enrollment in any other clinical trial
  11. * planning to relocate out of the area during the study period
  12. * non-English\* speaking, due to the likelihood of difficulties following instructions and communicating remotely
  13. * clinical judgment of the investigative team

Contacts and Locations

Study Contact

Jungyun Hwang, PhD
CONTACT
352-294-5458
jungyunhwang@ufl.edu

Study Locations (Sites)

Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Brain Rehabilitation Research Center
Gainesville, Florida, 32608
United States

Collaborators and Investigators

Sponsor: University of Florida

Study Record Dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Registration Dates

Study Start Date2025-01-22
Study Completion Date2026-08-31

Study Record Updates

Study Start Date2025-01-22
Study Completion Date2026-08-31

Terms related to this study

Keywords Provided by Researchers

  • aging
  • balance
  • walking
  • spinal cord
  • electrical stimulation

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

  • Aging