COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTSNCT07920432
Comparative Effects of Exercises on Reactive Balance and Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
A study testing Square-Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory Perturbation and Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task Training in people with COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized clinical trial is comparing the effects of sensory perturbation and dual task training in combination with square-stepping exercises on reactive balance and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 to 85 years
- Conditions the study is for
- COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
- What is being tested?
- Square-Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory Perturbation and Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 31 Oct 2026to 31 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 60 to 85 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 60-85 years Both males and females Can walk independently with or without an assistive device Fall efficacy scale = 9-13 TUG =10.9 + 3.9 (20) For cognitive functions: MMSE = 24-30 Must be community-dwelling
Who cannot join
- Older adults with neurological conditions and sensori-motor impairments. Severe musculoskeletal impairments e.g., recent fracture Vestibular disorders e.g., Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Severe visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy or cataracts. Cardiovascular or cardiopulmonary instability. (Only if the condition could impair their ability to cooperate or is associated with rapid deterioration).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
UMT (University of Management and Technology)
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
Maham Khalid, M.Phil, +923244467622, maham.khalid@umt.edu.pk
Memoona Bibi, MSPT
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Sensory Perturbation and Dual-Task Training in Combination With Square-Stepping Exercises on Reactive Balance and Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
This randomized clinical trial is comparing the effects of sensory perturbation and dual task training in combination with square-stepping exercises on reactive balance and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-four (34) older adults who will meet inclusion criteria will be recruited by using non-probability convenient sampling from an old age home. A complete physical history and data of demographic characteristics (age, height, weight, BMI etc.) will be collected from the participants. For intervention participants will be randomly allocated into two groups i.e., A and B. Group A will receive square-stepping exercises with sensory perturbation for 30 minutes, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Group B will receive square-stepping exercises with dual task training for 30 minutes, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Both groups will also receive conventional training for 30 minutes. Measurements of fall risk and reactive balance will be taken at baseline and at 6th week.
- Conditions
- COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
- Being tested
- Square-Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory Perturbation, Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task Training
- Keywords
- older adults, elderly, older people, community-dwelling, accidental falls, postural balance, reactive balance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Square-Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory PerturbationOther
Participants perform square stepping exercise (SSE): stepping pattern in forward, backward, lateral, and diagonal directions on thin mat (250 cm x 100 cm) partitioned into 40 squares (25 cm x 25 cm). After instructor's demonstration, participants memorize and practice each pattern in a supervised group. For sensory perturbation, foam pieces are randomly placed under mat, hidden from participants, creating unpredictable surface that challenges somatosensory input and reactive balance. Foam positions are changed in each session. Pattern difficulty is progressed by increasing complexity of pattern. Session last 30 minutes, 3 per week for 6 weeks.
Participants also receive 30 minutes of ACSM-based balance training per session: progressive reduction of base of support (two-legged to one-legged stands); dynamic movements perturbing center of gravity (tandem, toe, heel, sideways walking; raising leg with contralateral arm); heel and toe stands. An instructor supervises all sessions.
Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task TrainingOther
Participants perform square stepping exercise (SSE): stepping pattern in forward, backward, lateral, and diagonal directions on thin mat (250 cm x 100 cm) partitioned into 40 squares (25 cm x 25 cm). After instructor's demonstration, participants memorize and practice each pattern in a supervised group. For dual-task training, participants say aloud as many as words possible from a given category (e.g., animals, fruits) while performing one pattern, without repeating words. Categories change with each pattern and progress from general to specific; pattern complexity also increases. Session last 30 minutes, 3 per week for 6 weeks.
Participants also receive 30 minutes of ACSM-based balance training per session: progressive reduction of base of support (two-legged to one-legged stands); dynamic movements perturbing center of gravity (tandem, toe, heel, sideways walking; raising leg with contralateral arm); heel and toe stands. An instructor supervises all sessions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory Perturbation | Experimental | Participants perform square stepping exercise (SSE): stepping pattern in forward, backward, lateral, and diagonal directions on thin mat (250 cm x 100 cm) partitioned into 40 squares (25 cm x 25 cm). After instructor's demonstration, participants memorize and practice each pattern in a supervised group. For sensory perturbation, foam pieces are randomly placed under mat, hidden from participants, creating unpredictable surface that challenges somatosensory input and reactive balance. Foam positions are changed in each session. Pattern difficulty is progressed by increasing complexity of pattern. Session last 30 minutes, 3 per week for 6 weeks.
Participants also receive 30 minutes of ACSM-based balance training per session: progressive reduction of base of support (two-legged to one-legged stands); dynamic movements perturbing center of gravity (tandem, toe, heel, sideways walking; raising leg with contralateral arm); heel and toe stands. An instructor supervises all sessions. Receives: Other: Square-Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory Perturbation |
| Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task Training | Experimental | Participants perform square stepping exercise (SSE): stepping pattern in forward, backward, lateral, and diagonal directions on thin mat (250 cm x 100 cm) partitioned into 40 squares (25 cm x 25 cm). After instructor's demonstration, participants memorize and practice each pattern in a supervised group. For dual-task training, participants say aloud as many as words possible from a given category (e.g., animals, fruits) while performing one pattern, without repeating words. Categories change with each pattern and progress from general to specific; pattern complexity also increases. Session last 30 minutes, 3 per week for 6 weeks.
Participants also receive 30 minutes of ACSM-based balance training per session: progressive reduction of base of support (two-legged to one-legged stands); dynamic movements perturbing center of gravity (tandem, toe, heel, sideways walking; raising leg with contralateral arm); heel and toe stands. An instructor supervises all sessions. Receives: Other: Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Berg Balance Scale (for risk of fall)
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) has 14 items in daily life activities and living settings to evaluate a fall risk. Each item ranges from 0 to 4. The total score is used to classify the fall risk into 3 groups: high-risk group (0-20 points), moderate-risk group (21-40 points), and low-risk group (41-56 points).
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
MiniBESTest (for Reactive Balance)
The Balance Evaluation Systems Test1 (BESTest) was developed to identify the postural control system(s) that underly poor functional balance, enabling physiotherapists to target treatment to a person's specific balance deficit. The Mini-BESTest includes four subscales: transitions/anticipatory postural control, reactive postural control, sensory orientation and stability in gait. Each item is rated on a three-point ordinal scale (0 = severe to 2 = normal).
Measured: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Nov 2026
- Study start31 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTSStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This randomized clinical trial is comparing the effects of sensory perturbation and dual task training in combination with square-stepping exercises on reactive balance and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-four (34) older adults who will meet inclusion criteria will be recruited by using non-probability convenient sampling from an old age home. A complete physical history and data of demographic characteristics (age, height, weight, BMI etc.) will be collected from the participants. For intervention participants will be randomly allocated into two groups i.e., A and B. Group A will receive square-stepping exercises with sensory perturbation for 30 minutes, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Group B will receive square-stepping exercises with dual task training for 30 minutes, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Both groups will also receive conventional training for 30 minutes. Measurements of fall risk and reactive balance will be taken at baseline and at 6th week.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Maham Khalid, University of Management and Technology Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07920432
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RE-206-2026
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 5 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The results data collected, de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Sensory Perturbation and Dual-Task Training in Combination With Square-Stepping Exercises on Reactive Balance and Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07920432
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RE-206-2026
- Conditions
- COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
- Keywords
- older adults, elderly, older people, community-dwelling, accidental falls, postural balance, reactive balance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 31 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Nov 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized clinical trial is comparing the effects of sensory perturbation and dual task training in combination with square-stepping exercises on reactive balance and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-four (34) older adults who will meet inclusion criteria will be recruited by using non-probability convenient sampling from an old age home. A complete physical history and data of demographic characteristics (age, height, weight, BMI etc.) will be collected from the participants. For intervention participants will be randomly allocated into two groups i.e., A and B. Group A will receive square-stepping exercises with sensory perturbation for 30 minutes, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Group B will receive square-stepping exercises with dual task training for 30 minutes, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Both groups will also receive conventional training for 30 minutes. Measurements of fall risk and reactive balance will be taken at baseline and at 6th week.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This randomized clinical trial is comparing the effects of sensory perturbation and dual task training in combination with square-stepping exercises on reactive balance and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Thirty-four (34) older adults who will meet inclusion criteria will be recruited by using non-probability convenient sampling from an old age home. A complete physical history and data of demographic characteristics (age, height, weight, BMI etc.) will be collected from the participants. For intervention participants will be randomly allocated into two groups i.e., A and B. Group A will receive square-stepping exercises with sensory perturbation for 30 minutes, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Group B will receive square-stepping exercises with dual task training for 30 minutes, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Both groups will also receive conventional training for 30 minutes. Measurements of fall risk and reactive balance will be taken at baseline and at 6th week.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory Perturbation | Experimental | Other: Square-Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory PerturbationParticipants perform square stepping exercise (SSE): stepping pattern in forward, backward, lateral, and diagonal directions on thin mat (250 cm x 100 cm) partitioned into 40 squares (25 cm x 25 cm). After instructor's demonstration, participants memorize and practice each pattern in a supervised group. For sensory perturbation, foam pieces are randomly placed under mat, hidden from participants, creating unpredictable surface that challenges somatosensory input and reactive balance. Foam positions are changed in each session. Pattern difficulty is progressed by increasing complexity of pattern. Session last 30 minutes, 3 per week for 6 weeks. Participants also receive 30 minutes of ACSM-based balance training per session: progressive reduction of base of support (two-legged to one-legged stands); dynamic movements perturbing center of gravity (tandem, toe, heel, sideways walking; raising leg with contralateral arm); heel and toe stands. An instructor supervises all sessions. |
| Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task Training | Experimental | Other: Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task TrainingParticipants perform square stepping exercise (SSE): stepping pattern in forward, backward, lateral, and diagonal directions on thin mat (250 cm x 100 cm) partitioned into 40 squares (25 cm x 25 cm). After instructor's demonstration, participants memorize and practice each pattern in a supervised group. For dual-task training, participants say aloud as many as words possible from a given category (e.g., animals, fruits) while performing one pattern, without repeating words. Categories change with each pattern and progress from general to specific; pattern complexity also increases. Session last 30 minutes, 3 per week for 6 weeks. Participants also receive 30 minutes of ACSM-based balance training per session: progressive reduction of base of support (two-legged to one-legged stands); dynamic movements perturbing center of gravity (tandem, toe, heel, sideways walking; raising leg with contralateral arm); heel and toe stands. An instructor supervises all sessions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 to 85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Aged 60-85 years Both males and females Can walk independently with or without an assistive device Fall efficacy scale = 9-13 TUG =10.9 + 3.9 (20) For cognitive functions: MMSE = 24-30 Must be community-dwelling
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Older adults with neurological conditions and sensori-motor impairments. Severe musculoskeletal impairments e.g., recent fracture Vestibular disorders e.g., Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Severe visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy or cataracts. Cardiovascular or cardiopulmonary instability. (Only if the condition could impair their ability to cooperate or is associated with rapid deterioration).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Square-Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory PerturbationParticipants perform square stepping exercise (SSE): stepping pattern in forward, backward, lateral, and diagonal directions on thin mat (250 cm x 100 cm) partitioned into 40 squares (25 cm x 25 cm). After instructor's demonstration, participants memorize and practice each pattern in a supervised group. For sensory perturbation, foam pieces are randomly placed under mat, hidden from participants, creating unpredictable surface that challenges somatosensory input and reactive balance. Foam positions are changed in each session. Pattern difficulty is progressed by increasing complexity of pattern. Session last 30 minutes, 3 per week for 6 weeks. Participants also receive 30 minutes of ACSM-based balance training per session: progressive reduction of base of support (two-legged to one-legged stands); dynamic movements perturbing center of gravity (tandem, toe, heel, sideways walking; raising leg with contralateral arm); heel and toe stands. An instructor supervises all sessions. | Other | Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory Perturbation |
| Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task TrainingParticipants perform square stepping exercise (SSE): stepping pattern in forward, backward, lateral, and diagonal directions on thin mat (250 cm x 100 cm) partitioned into 40 squares (25 cm x 25 cm). After instructor's demonstration, participants memorize and practice each pattern in a supervised group. For dual-task training, participants say aloud as many as words possible from a given category (e.g., animals, fruits) while performing one pattern, without repeating words. Categories change with each pattern and progress from general to specific; pattern complexity also increases. Session last 30 minutes, 3 per week for 6 weeks. Participants also receive 30 minutes of ACSM-based balance training per session: progressive reduction of base of support (two-legged to one-legged stands); dynamic movements perturbing center of gravity (tandem, toe, heel, sideways walking; raising leg with contralateral arm); heel and toe stands. An instructor supervises all sessions. | Other | Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task Training |
Primary outcome
Berg Balance Scale (for risk of fall)
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) has 14 items in daily life activities and living settings to evaluate a fall risk. Each item ranges from 0 to 4. The total score is used to classify the fall risk into 3 groups: high-risk group (0-20 points), moderate-risk group (21-40 points), and low-risk group (41-56 points).
MiniBESTest (for Reactive Balance)
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
The Balance Evaluation Systems Test1 (BESTest) was developed to identify the postural control system(s) that underly poor functional balance, enabling physiotherapists to target treatment to a person's specific balance deficit. The Mini-BESTest includes four subscales: transitions/anticipatory postural control, reactive postural control, sensory orientation and stability in gait. Each item is rated on a three-point ordinal scale (0 = severe to 2 = normal).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Nov 2026.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The results data collected, de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Square-Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Sensory Perturbation and Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) with Dual-Task Training in people with COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Berg Balance Scale (for risk of fall) (time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Nov 2026.