Reducing Fall Risk With NMES

Falls are dangerous leading to injuries, hospital admissions and even death. Fall prevention is a priority but effective programs only reduce falls by 30%. Weak hip muscles may be one reasons individuals experience a loss of balance. However individuals who have weak hip muscles may be unable to exercise at sufficient intensities to improve their hip muscle strength. The purpose of this study is to utilize a common physical therapy method, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), on the hip muscles to improve hip muscle strength and improve balance. The new program focuses on using NMES during a resistance training program along with exercise to improve standing balance, walking and stepping over objects. This study will test the additive effect of NMES applied to the hip muscles during a balance and strengthening program to improve balance and mobility, and ultimately reduce the risk of falls in older Veterans at high risk for falls.

NCT Number	NCT04969094
Lead Sponsor	VA Office of Research and Development
Conditions	Falls
Enrollment	81 participants
Start Date	2022-01-04
Primary Completion	2026-12-20 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-12-20 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-08-06