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Spinal Networks of Balance Learning and Retention in Older Adults
Sponsor: University of Florida
Summary
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
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
65 Years - 95 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2025-01-22
Completion Date
2026-08-31
Last Updated
2025-05-13
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Balance Training
Complex balance task involving static and dynamic weight shifting and coordinated stepping
Spinal Active tsDCS
Active tsDCS over lumbar regions
Spinal Sham tsDCS
Sham tsDCS over lumbar regions
Locations (1)
Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Brain Rehabilitation Research Center
Gainesville, Florida, United States