Researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago have devised an experiment to help prevent falls in senior citizens, according to a report by Lindsey Tanner of the Associated Press. While conventional research methods have included exercises to boost stability and balance, a research team from the university - led by physical therapist professor Clive Pai, PT, PhD - has devised an experimental moving walkway that acts like a treadmill - except in that it includes shifting jolts in different directions to keep the user from getting too used to walking in that direction. The user will also be outfitted with a special harness to keep them from actually falling while "tripping" on the walkway.
Preliminary research found that 24 similar "trips" in just one walkway session taught older adults to learn to catch themselves and reduced their chances of falling outside the
lab, during everyday living, by 50 percent up to a year later (Tanner 2014).
Pai is optimistic about the preliminary findings, which have proven more effective than standard conventional fall prevention techniques. "His research is focusing on building subconscious learning," the report said, "and evidence so far shows it can happen surprisingly fast. 'This is all implicit learning. We don’t give any instruction. They
don’t have to be motivated — they’re naturally motivated because they
don’t want to be on the floor,' [Pai] said" (Tanner 2014).
Pai's team received a $1 million, five-year grant from the National Institute on Aging to study and develop the treadmill system, and plans to enroll 300 participants within the next five years (Tanner 2014).
Tanner, Lindsey. (2014). Tripping seniors on purpose to stop future falls. The Associated Press. Retrieved from http://bigstory.ap.org/article/tripping-seniors-purpose-stop-future-falls
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