Beam Walking Across the Lifespan for Falls Prediction

Summary

Background: Dynamic balance keeps the vertical projection of the center of mass within the base of support while the center of mass moves. The age-related decrease in dynamic balance is a risk factor for falls. Dynamic balance tests are used to predict the risks for falls and eventual falls but the psychometric properties of most tests assessing dynamic balance are unsatisfactory and comprise no actual loss of balance while walking. Objectives: Using beam walking distance as a measure of dynamic balance, we will determine the psychometric properties, lifespan and patient reference values, the relationship with selected 'dynamic balance tests', and the accuracy of beam walking distance to predict falls. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study will examine healthy adults in 7 decades (n=432) at 4 centers. Center 5 will examine patients (n=100) diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and balance disorders. At Test 1, all participants will be measured for demographics, medical history, grip and leg strength, short physical performance battery, static balance on a force platform, and dynamic balance using beam walking (4m-long, 4, 8, and 12 cm wide) under single (beam walking only) and dual task conditions (beam walking while concurrently performing an arithmetic task). In addition, cognitive function (global cognition, attention, executive function, processing speed, memory) will be assessed. Patients and healthy participants age 50+ will be additionally measured for fear of falling, history of falls, miniBESTest, functional reach on a force platform, timed up and go, and reactive balance. At Test 2, 7-10 days after Test 1, healthy adults young and age 50+ (n=40) will be re-tested for reliability of beam walking performance. All participants age 50+ will be re-called to report fear of falling and fall history 6 and 12 months after Test 1. Conclusion: The investigators expect to find that beam walking performance vis-à-vis the traditionally used balance outcomes predicts more accurately fall risks and falls.

Conditions

• Aging
• Parkinson Disease
• Stroke
• Dementia
• Diagnoses Disease
• Cognitive Impairment
• Postural; Defect

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Beam test to predict falls

Dynamic balance will be determined in all participants during beam walking. The beams are 4m long, 2cm high, and 4, 8, and 12cm wide. After a practice trial, participants will perform three trials on each width with and without a calculation task. Trials will be block-randomized based on beam width then on task. Instructions: 'Traverse the entire length of the beam safely at your preferred speed without stepping off, facing forward, with your arms folded in front of your chest. Trials end when you step off, walk sideways, or unfold the arms.' Outcomes are the sum of length traversed, average velocity, number of steps, and average step length determined from video recordings made at 90° relative to the walking direction with full beam length in view using off-the-shelf video cameras.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Dokkyo Medical University

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Potsdam

  collaborator OTHER

• Somogy Megyei Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Sao Paulo

  collaborator OTHER

• University Medical Center Groningen

  lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age

20 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2018-06-01

Primary Completion

2019-05-31

Completion

2020-05-31

Countries

• Brazil
• Germany
• Hungary
• Japan
• Netherlands

Study Locations