Introduction

Fear of falling is common in older people and this can limit physical activity and social participation. Epidemiological and experimental studies also suggest that fear of falling itself can increase fall risk in older people. However, the mechanism through which fear of falling can increase fall risk is not well understood. An excessive startle response to environmental stimuli while walking and an inability to habituate to non-harmful stimuli may explain why fear of falling can increase fall risk in older people.

About the study

The STARTLE Study aims to examine the association between fear of falling and startle responses and to compare adaptive neuromotor and postural responses in older people with and without a fear of falling. The study findings will help us explain why fear of falling increases fall risk in older people and guide future research to identify and address older people with a high fear of falling to prevent devastating fall experiences.

Participation will involve completing a series of online questionnaires addressing falls and balance, your general health and attitude towards fall risk behaviours. Then we will invite you to the Gait Laboratory at Neuroscience Research Australia (in Randwick) for approximately 2 hours during which you will first perform a few tasks to assess your thinking and attention, vision, sensation, lower limb strength, reaction time and standing balance. We will then ask you to complete a series of walking trials at your own pace along a 10-metre walkway. You will be shown a short video of people tripping along the walkway before completing another series of walking trials. During some of these walking trials, you may experience tripping, along with a loud sound from a speaker above you. Throughout these walking trials, you will be fitted a full-body safety harness and reflective markers as well as surface electromyography electrodes to record your movement.

Eligibility criteria

To participate in this project, you need to meet the following inclusion criteria:

• Aged 65 years or older.
• Living independently in the community.
• Able to walk 500m without a mobility aid or rest.
• Able to communicate in the English language.

For safety, volunteers who meet any of the following exclusion criteria will not be eligible to participate:

• History of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) aka. mini stroke.
• Diagnosed degenerative neurological condition (e.g. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc.).
• Diagnosed cognitive impairment.
• Diagnosed major psychiatric condition (e.g. major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.).
• Significant loss of vision or hearing.
• Any other cognitive or physical condition(s) that could impact walking ability or balance (e.g. recent injury or surgery, etc.).
• Advised against exercise by a medical practitioner.

All participants will receive a $30 e‑gift voucher to reimburse you for any reasonable travel expenses while completing the research procedures.

Register your interest

For more information or to register your interest, contact the STARTLE team on 02 9399 1067 or email hidden; JavaScript is required.