Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to Maximize Hip Abductor Strength and Reduce Fall Risk in Older Veterans: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.2196/68082
• Publication Date: 2025-05-01T22:00:40Z
• Authors: Ben Friedman; Brock A Beamer; Jeffrey Beans; Vicki Gray; Gad Alon; Alice Ryan; Leslie I Katzel; John D Sorkin; Odessa Addison
• Keywords: Functional electrical stimulation; Fall prevention

Nearly half of all veterans are 65 years and older, they have a higher prevalence functional disabilities compared to the nonveteran population. Balance impairments resulting in injurious falls leading cause morbidity mortality older adults. Instability or fear falling can significantly reduce physical activity social participation, even absence falls. Dysmobility is factor long-care admissions, therefore, maintenance mobility throughout aging crucial. Recent evidence indicates lower extremity muscle weakness as key risk for falls, with limb strength quality being critical balance recovery. The primary hip abductors, gluteus maximus, medius, minimus, particularly essential This study aims test hypothesis that adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) multimodality intervention (MMBI) will yield greater reductions fall improvements function MMBI alone. randomized controlled trial enroll 80 aged 55 at (defined by four-square step [FSST] time >12 seconds, history falling). Participants be receive either NMES + 12-week outpatient center-based include 3 sessions per week, focusing on abductor strength, balance, mobility. Assessments occur baseline, postintervention, 6- 12-month follow-ups. Primary outcomes dynamic measured FSST using Biodex dynamometer. Secondary examine composition through computed tomography (CT) scans assess gait variability parameters. was funded January 1, 2022, data collection period from April December 31, 2026. As March 2025, we screened 100 potential participants excluded 38. Out 61 enrolled date, 21 completed follow-up, 32 6-month 41 posttesting. A total 4 currently phase; 1 has just baseline testing, while 15 been dropped study. first large, evaluate an adjunct prevention veterans. If successful, combined strengthening training could provide low-cost, scalable solution improve mobility, decrease health care costs related address gap knowledge about effectiveness enhancing rehabilitation prevention. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04969094; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04969094. DERR1-10.2196/68082.