Fall InjuryNCT05411536
Attentional Focus Instructions and Conscious Movement Processing in Older Adults
An observational study of Fall Injury and Walking, Difficulty, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This study aims to provide a novel scientific contribution through addressing critical knowledge gaps, examining the effects of attentional focus instructions on real-time (state) conscious movement processing propensity, gait parameters, and muscle efficiency in older adults in Hong Kong at risk of falling while… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 to 99 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Fall Injury, Walking, Difficulty, Gait, Unsteady
- What is being tested?
- Walking trials
- How many people
- 106 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 15 Jul 2022to 30 Jun 2024
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 65 to 99 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Older adult
Study population: Older adults (N = 106) will be recruited from different collaborating community elderly and rehabilitation centres in Hong Kong through convenience sampling. Potential participants will be screened for eligibility by the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Who may be able to join
- age 65 or above;
- able to walk independently indoor for at least 20 metres without a walking aid.
Who cannot join
- a total score of less than 24 on the MMSE-C (Chiu et al., 1994; Folstein et al., 1975);
- the presence of any untreated cerebral vascular disease, Parkinson's disease, or any other major neurological deficit;
- the presence of an unstable medical condition affecting safety while walking ;
- a history of a major fall incident within the last year;
- a static visual acuity poorer than 20/40 vision (assessed using the Tumbling E eye chart).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Attentional Focus Instructions on Real-time Conscious Movement Processing While Walking in a Challenging Environment for Older Adults at Risk of Falling in Hong Kong: Implications for Rehabilitation
This study aims to provide a novel scientific contribution through addressing critical knowledge gaps, examining the effects of attentional focus instructions on real-time (state) conscious movement processing propensity, gait parameters, and muscle efficiency in older adults in Hong Kong at risk of falling while walking in a challenging environment. The study results could update our scientific understanding of the mechanisms of conscious movement processing and the interventional effects of attentional focus instructions in older adults. It could ultimately enhance the methodology used for developing the most appropriate psychomotor gait re-education intervention in rehabilitation and provide clear guidelines on the exact attentional focus training that older adults require. Further, it could mitigate the effect of conscious movement processing and risk of falling in older adults.
- Conditions
- Fall Injury, Walking, Difficulty, Gait, Unsteady
- Being tested
- Walking trials
- Keywords
- Attentional focus instructions, Conscious movement processing, Walking, Muscle efficiency, Gait parameters
- Medical subject headings
- Mobility Limitation, Gait Disorders, Neurologic
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Walking trialsOther
All participants will complete a series of walking trials. They will first be requested to perform three practice walks followed by three walking trials on a 7.4m straight level-ground firm walkway (GW) and the other three walking trials on a 7.4m straight foam walkway (FW) in a randomised order. The dimension of the foam walkway in the FW will be 8m (length), 0.8m (width), and 0.3m (height). The starting and finishing lines of the FW will be positioned at 0.3m from each side of the FW's edges. Thus, the lengths of the FW and the GW will be identical (i.e., 7.4m). Participants will be asked to walk 7.4m and stop for each walking trial.
After a 10-minute rest break, participants will perform nine walking trials on the GW and the other nine walking trials on the FW, including three repetitions of three different attentional focus instructions (external focus [EF], internal focus [IF], and no specific focus [NF]) in the GW and FW in a randomised order.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| high reinvestor group (HRG) | The participants were divided into two groups, the high reinvestor group (HRG) and the low reinvestor group (LRG), using the conventional median split of their scores on the MSRS-C (Chu \& Wong, 2019; Mak et al., 2020). Receives: Other: Walking trials | |
| low reinvestor group (LRG) | The participants were divided into two groups, the high reinvestor group (HRG) and the low reinvestor group (LRG), using the conventional median split of their scores on the MSRS-C (Chu \& Wong, 2019; Mak et al., 2020). Receives: Other: Walking trials |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Real-time (state) conscious movement processing propensity
It will be measured by the Alpha2 EEG T3-Fz coherence.
Measured: Day 0
Gait speed
It will be measured by the 3-D motion-capture system in the unit of meter per second (m/s).
Measured: Day 0
Body sway
It will be measured by the 3-D motion-capture system in the unit of millimeter (mm).
Measured: Day 0
Stride length
It will be measured by the 3-D motion-capture system in the unit of meter (m).
Measured: Day 0
Stride-to-stride variability
It will be measured by the 3-D motion-capture system by the coefficients of variation (CV).
Measured: Day 0
Muscle efficiency
It will be measured by the surface electromyography (EMG).
Measured: Day 0
Secondary outcomes (4)
Walking ability
It will be measured by the Timed 'Up \& Go' tests.
Measured: Day 0
Balance ability
It will be measured by the Berg Balance Scale. The minimum value of the scale is 0 and the maximum value is 56. Higher score represents better balance ability.
Measured: Day 0
Fear of falling
It will be measured by the Chinese version of the Falls Efficacy Scale International. The minimum value of the scale is 16 and the maximum value is 64. Higher score represents higher fear of falling.
Measured: Day 0
Trait conscious movement processing propensity
It will be measured by the Chinese version of the Movement-Specific Reinvestment Scale. The minimum value of the scale is 10 and the maximum value is 60. Higher score represents higher trait conscious movement processing propensity.
Measured: Day 0
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Jun 2022
- Study start15 Jul 2022
- Primary completion30 Jun 2024 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Jun 2024 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Fall InjuryStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 106 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Thomson Wong, PhD, Principal investigator, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05411536
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 15601021
- Status last verified
- Feb 2024
- First submitted
- 1 Jun 2022
- Last updated
- 29 Feb 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Mak TCT, Ng SSM, Leung MCY, Wong TWL. Stress-Induced Responses in Conscious Movement Processing and Walking Behaviour in Older Adults. Stress Health. 2025 Jun;41(3):e70065. doi: 10.1002/smi.70065.
PubMed 40522681Mak TCT, Ng SSM, Chan DCL, Wong TWL. The Influence of Attentional Focus on Gait Stability and Conscious Movement Processing During Challenging Walking Conditions in Older Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2025 May 8;80(6):gbaf059. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbaf059.
PubMed 40117215
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Feb 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Attentional Focus Instructions on Real-time Conscious Movement Processing While Walking in a Challenging Environment for Older Adults at Risk of Falling in Hong Kong: Implications for Rehabilitation
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05411536
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 15601021
- Conditions
- Fall Injury, Walking, Difficulty, Gait, Unsteady
- Keywords
- Attentional focus instructions, Conscious movement processing, Walking, Muscle efficiency, Gait parameters
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 106 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jul 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2024 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2024 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Jun 2022 (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 study aims to provide a novel scientific contribution through addressing critical knowledge gaps, examining the effects of attentional focus instructions on real-time (state) conscious movement processing propensity, gait parameters, and muscle efficiency in older adults in Hong Kong at risk of falling while walking in a challenging environment. The study results could update our scientific understanding of the mechanisms of conscious movement processing and the interventional effects of attentional focus instructions in older adults. It could ultimately enhance the methodology used for developing the most appropriate psychomotor gait re-education intervention in rehabilitation and provide clear guidelines on the exact attentional focus training that older adults require. Further, it could mitigate the effect of conscious movement processing and risk of falling in older adults.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| high reinvestor group (HRG) | – | Other: Walking trialsThe participants were divided into two groups, the high reinvestor group (HRG) and the low reinvestor group (LRG), using the conventional median split of their scores on the MSRS-C (Chu \& Wong, 2019; Mak et al., 2020). |
| low reinvestor group (LRG) | – | Other: Walking trialsThe participants were divided into two groups, the high reinvestor group (HRG) and the low reinvestor group (LRG), using the conventional median split of their scores on the MSRS-C (Chu \& Wong, 2019; Mak et al., 2020). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 to 99 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
- Study population
- Older adults (N = 106) will be recruited from different collaborating community elderly and rehabilitation centres in Hong Kong through convenience sampling. Potential participants will be screened for eligibility by the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- age 65 or above;
- able to walk independently indoor for at least 20 metres without a walking aid.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- a total score of less than 24 on the MMSE-C (Chiu et al., 1994; Folstein et al., 1975);
- the presence of any untreated cerebral vascular disease, Parkinson's disease, or any other major neurological deficit;
- the presence of an unstable medical condition affecting safety while walking ;
- a history of a major fall incident within the last year;
- a static visual acuity poorer than 20/40 vision (assessed using the Tumbling E eye chart).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Walking trialsAll participants will complete a series of walking trials. They will first be requested to perform three practice walks followed by three walking trials on a 7.4m straight level-ground firm walkway (GW) and the other three walking trials on a 7.4m straight foam walkway (FW) in a randomised order. The dimension of the foam walkway in the FW will be 8m (length), 0.8m (width), and 0.3m (height). The starting and finishing lines of the FW will be positioned at 0.3m from each side of the FW's edges. Thus, the lengths of the FW and the GW will be identical (i.e., 7.4m). Participants will be asked to walk 7.4m and stop for each walking trial. After a 10-minute rest break, participants will perform nine walking trials on the GW and the other nine walking trials on the FW, including three repetitions of three different attentional focus instructions (external focus [EF], internal focus [IF], and no specific focus [NF]) in the GW and FW in a randomised order. | Other | high reinvestor group (HRG), low reinvestor group (LRG) |
Primary outcome
Real-time (state) conscious movement processing propensity
Time frame: Day 0
It will be measured by the Alpha2 EEG T3-Fz coherence.
Gait speed
Time frame: Day 0
It will be measured by the 3-D motion-capture system in the unit of meter per second (m/s).
Body sway
Time frame: Day 0
It will be measured by the 3-D motion-capture system in the unit of millimeter (mm).
Stride length
Time frame: Day 0
It will be measured by the 3-D motion-capture system in the unit of meter (m).
Stride-to-stride variability
Time frame: Day 0
It will be measured by the 3-D motion-capture system by the coefficients of variation (CV).
Muscle efficiency
Time frame: Day 0
It will be measured by the surface electromyography (EMG).
4 secondary outcomes
Walking ability
Time frame: Day 0
Balance ability
Time frame: Day 0
Fear of falling
Time frame: Day 0
Trait conscious movement processing propensity
Time frame: Day 0
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Feb 2024.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40522681Mak TCT, Ng SSM, Leung MCY, Wong TWL. Stress-Induced Responses in Conscious Movement Processing and Walking Behaviour in Older Adults. Stress Health. 2025 Jun;41(3):e70065. doi: 10.1002/smi.70065.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40117215Mak TCT, Ng SSM, Chan DCL, Wong TWL. The Influence of Attentional Focus on Gait Stability and Conscious Movement Processing During Challenging Walking Conditions in Older Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2025 May 8;80(6):gbaf059. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbaf059.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Thomson Wong, PhD principal investigator
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Fall Injury and Walking, Difficulty, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in China.
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 2 inclusion and 5 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: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Feb 2024. 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 China. 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?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Real-time (state) conscious movement processing propensity (time frame: Day 0). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05411536, which also lists 2 linked publications.
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 29 Feb 2024.