# Remote Digital Health Intervention to Improve Balance and Reduce Fall Risk

> **NIH NIH R43** · POSIT SCIENCE CORPORATION · 2021 · $254,947

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The goal of the current Phase I proposal is to further develop (to pivotal trial readiness) and evaluate a
computerized training program (rSTAND) to extend older adults’ functional independence and reduce fall risk.
This intervention may benefit a large population of vulnerable older adults that are at an elevated risk for
accidental falls with current lack of long-term viable treatment options.
Approximately one third of community dwelling senior over age 65 are at risk of suffering at least one fall
annually, resulting in fractures or other major injuries. Although numerous fall prevention interventions have
been developed, the prevalence of falls is increasing and there are high economic costs for treatments of non-
fatal fall injuries. Thus, prevention of falls in older adults is critically important to ensure sustained functional
independence later in life, prevent disability due to fractures or worse (premature mortality) and maintain the
viability of our limited health care resources.
Here, we propose to complete the development and testing of novel computerized executive function/cognitive
training program. The program targets core executive functions (working memory, inhibition), speed of
processing and sustained attention, and is grounded on design principles that drive adaptive brain plasticity to
improve cognitive function and bolster functional abilities in older adults with an elevated fall risk. At the
completion of this project we will have outcomes data sufficient to support a large scale randomized controlled
trial in Phase II designed to establish medical efficacy of this program for people with age-related elevated fall
risk.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10326128
- **Project number:** 1R43AG074833-01
- **Recipient organization:** POSIT SCIENCE CORPORATION
- **Principal Investigator:** Thomas VanVleet
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $254,947
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-15 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10326128

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10326128, Remote Digital Health Intervention to Improve Balance and Reduce Fall Risk (1R43AG074833-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10326128. Licensed CC0.

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