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Training to improve balance and prevent falls using different devices

Plain-English translation of NCT04205279 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

Falls are a serious problem, especially for older adults and people who have had a stroke. This study is testing whether special balance training—where you practice reacting to unexpected slips and balance challenges on either a treadmill, a slippery walking platform, or a moveable walkway—can help your body learn to catch itself and prevent falls. The research will compare three different training devices to see which works best.

Most balance tests only measure how well you can stay steady when you're prepared and expecting it. This training is designed to teach your body how to react quickly to real-life surprises—like slipping on ice or being jostled in a crowd—which is when most falls actually happen. The researchers want to find out which training method is most effective at preventing these dangerous, unexpected falls.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 55 years old (for healthy younger adults) or 56 to 90 years old (for healthy older adults or stroke survivors)
you can walk at least 10 meters, with or without help from a cane or walker
you do not have other serious medical conditions besides your stroke (if applicable)
you have not had major surgery or been hospitalized in the last 3 months
you can understand and communicate in English

You likely don't qualify if…

you are taking sedative medications that could affect your balance or alertness
you have very weak bones (osteoporosis) or a recent diagnosis of it
you have significant memory or thinking problems that would prevent you from following instructions
you weigh more than 250 pounds
your heart rate, blood pressure, or oxygen levels are dangerously high at rest

What participation looks like

You would be randomly assigned to train on one of three different balance-challenge devices. During training sessions, you would walk or stand on the equipment while it creates unexpected perturbations (like slip-like movements or sudden shifts) designed to challenge your balance—all while wearing a safety harness to protect you. You would also walk while wearing a virtual reality headset that shows different scenarios (like icy surfaces or crowded areas) to test your balance under various conditions. The study involves baseline tests, training sessions, and follow-up walking trials to see if your balance and fall-prevention reflexes improve.

Training to improve balance and prevent falls using different devices

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)