@article{ref1,
title="Minimizing fall-related injuries in at-risk older adults: the Falling Safely Training (FAST) study protocol",
journal="Contemporary clinical trials communications",
year="2023",
author="Zanotto, Tobia and Chen, Lingjun and Fang, James and Bhattacharya, Shelley B. and Alexander, Neil B. and Sosnoff, Jacob J.",
volume="33",
number="",
pages="e101133-e101133",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury among the elderly. Fall prevention is currently the main strategy to minimize fall-related injuries in at-risk older adults. However, the success of fall prevention programs in preventing accidental injury in elderly populations is inconsistent. An alternative novel approach to directly target fall-related injuries is teaching older adults movement patterns which reduce injury risk. The purpose of the current study will be to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of teaching at-risk older adults safe-falling strategies to minimize the risk of injury. <br><br>METHODS/DESIGN: The Falling Safely Training (FAST) study will be a prospective, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. A total of 28 participants will be randomly assigned to four weeks of FAST or to an active control group with a 1:1 allocation. People aged ≥65 years, at-risk of injurious falls, and with normal hip bone density will be eligible. The FAST program will consist of a standardized progressive training of safe-falling movement strategies. The control group will consist of evidence-based balance training (modified Otago exercise program). Participants will undergo a series of experimentally induced falls in a laboratory setting at baseline, after the 4-week intervention, and three months after the intervention. Data on head and hip movement during the falls will be collected through motion capture. <br><br>DISCUSSION: The current study will provide data on the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of safe-falling training as a strategy to reduce fall impact and head motion, and potentially to reduce hip and head injuries in at-risk populations. REGISTRATION: The FAST study is registered at http://Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05260034).<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2451-8654",
doi="10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101133",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101133"
}