Spinal Networks of Balance Learning and Retention in Older Adults (NCT06517043)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
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.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (6 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (14 items).
Location: Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Brain Rehabilitation Research Center — Gainesville, Florida
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- diagnosed neurological disorder or injury of the central nervous system, or observation of symptoms consistent with such a condition (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, etc.)
- severe arthritis, such as awaiting joint replacement
- current cardiovascular, lung or renal disease; untreated diabetes; terminal illness
- myocardial infarction or major heart surgery in the previous year
- cancer treatment in the past year, except for nonmelanoma skin cancers and cancers having an excellent prognosis (e.g., early stage breast or prostate cancer)
- current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder
- currently taking medications that affect the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, anti-cholinergic medication, and GABAergic medication, among others
- uncontrolled hypertension at rest (systolic \> 180 mmHg and/or diastolic \> 100 mmHg)
- bone fracture or joint replacement in the previous six months
- current enrollment in any other clinical trial
- planning to relocate out of the area during the study period
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Brain Rehabilitation Research Center — Gainesville, Florida
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.