Research Grants to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Physical Therapy-based Exercises and Movements Used to Reduce Older Adults Falls (U01)

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) is soliciting investigator-initiated research proposals to support both a process evaluation and an outcome evaluation of the effectiveness of strategies (different types of physical therapy-based exercises and movements, such as heel-to-toe walk, sit-to-stand exercise, calf raises, side leg raise) commonly used to improve community-dwelling older adults' balance,strength and mobility and subsequently reduce their risk of future falls and fall injuries. Of particular interest is research that focuses on populations experiencing high rates of older adult falls and fall injuries, and could include populations disadvantaged by reduced economic stability or limited educational attainment. In addition, researchers are encouraged but not required to:  Evaluate the feasibility of having physical therapy staff intervene, that is, refer to an appropriate health care professional, to reduce other fall risk factors that patients may experience (e.g., use of psychoactive medications, hypotension, trip hazards in the home, vision impairment).      OR Determine the medical costs or cost savings associated with commonly used physical therapy exercise and movement strategies to improve balance,strength and mobility to reduce fall risk.

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