Clinical Research Directory

The Relationship Between Self-Awareness and Risk of Falls During Walking in Adults

This study examines the relationship between self-awareness and the risk of falls during walking in older adults and rehabilitation patients. Falls are a major health concern among older adults worldwide. Many studies have shown that executive functions, such as attention and problem-solving, are related to fall risk; however, little is known about the role of self-awareness-the ability to recognize one's own strengths, limitations, and errors-in predicting falls. In this study, approximately 100 participants (adults aged 60-85 years) will be recruited from both a rehabilitation day center and community settings. Participants will complete cognitive tests, self-awareness questionnaires, and walking assessments using wearable sensors. Walking will be tested both at a normal pace and while performing a secondary task (dual-task walking). The results will help clarify whether reduced self-awareness is an independent risk factor for falls. Findings may improve fall-prevention strategies in both rehabilitation and community settings. The study protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Faculty Ethics Committee, University of Haifa, and the Helsinki Committee of Clalit Health Services.

Fall Risk Assessment and an Exercise Intervention for Prevention of Falls in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Approximately one third of the population over the age of 65 falls at least once a year. The risk of falling is in increased in older patients with tumor diseases. In addition to high treatment and care costs for the healthcare system, falls often lead to a decrease of quality of life, a reduction in physical performance and a loss of independence. Despite the high risk, falls in cancer patients have not yet been scientifically investigated in detail. For patients with multiple myeloma in particular, very little data is available on the prevalence, risk factors and effects of falls. In this study, a fall risk assessment is carried out in patients with multiple myeloma. Furthermore, a patient-specific training intervention for fall prevention will be implemented. The aim of the study is to identify possible fall risk factors in multiple myeloma patients and to establish a structured exercise intervention that minimizes the risk of falls and injuries.

Use of Virtual Reality for the Assessment of Attentional and Reaction Abilities for Fall Risk Evaluation

Aging is a condition characterized by a general decline in physical and cognitive performance, however its effects on various functions are still controversial. These changes lead to an increased risk of injuries, particularly due to falls. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, 28-35% of individuals aged over 65 experience a fall each year, and this percentage increases with age. For this reason, preventing falls among the elderly is undeniably one of the most critical public health issues in today's aging society. Nowadays, it is widely demonstrated that the loss of muscle strength and mass, along with decreased balance, significantly increases the risk of falls. However, with aging, numerous other changes occur that contribute to an increased risk of falls, such as a decline in cognitive function, including attention, reaction capabilities and memory, as well as other factors that worsen the quality of life, such as insufficient sleep or nutrition. According to WHO estimates, by 2030, the number of injuries due to falls will double. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand and analyze the factors contributing to falls among older adults in everyday life. For this reason, the principal aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the fall index and the Visual Attention, Reaction Time and visual field using the technologies of Virtual Reality (VR). Since aging brigs changes in different aspect, the secondary objectives aim to study the correlation also with i) sleep quantity and quality parameters, ii) risk of malnutrition, and iii) physical condition, muscle conditions and strength in order to have a comprehensive understanding of the factors that most contribute to the risk of falls. In addition to these objectives, the correlation between acute sleep deprivation and the risk of falls will also be analyzed, in order to understand how inadequate sleep quantity can impact injuries in the elderly.

OTAGO Exercise Program and Motivational Interviewing

The goal of this study is to see if OTAGO instructors, who have been trained in a special communication method called motivational interviewing, can help older adults start and stick with the OTAGO exercise program. The results will help guide future research on how behavior change techniques can support other fall prevention strategies.