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As we age, balance begins to decline, starting at about age 50, according to most research. Of course, lack of balance can lead to devastating falls.

Researchers at the University of Maryland and Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center are recruiting 100 people 65 and older for a study involving personal training to try to reduce fall risk.

“The long-term goal of this research is to develop a mechanistically based therapeutic intervention to enhance muscle power, weight-shifting capability, and lateral balance function through protective stepping to prevent falls,” according to the study protocol.

Participants will get a free health evaluation at the VA Medical Center on Lafayette Street. They will then meet with a personal trainer three times a week at the University of Maryland’s department of physical therapy and rehabilitation science in the Allied Health Research Building in downtown Baltimore. (Free parking is provided.)

Individualized training provided

Personal trainers will tailor an exercise routine to the participant’s level, and they’ll adjust every two weeks according to their progress.

“It’s one-on-one training, which is an advantage,” said Dr. Vicki Gray, principal investigator. The exercises are “definitely tailored to the individual.”

Because most of the exercises will focus on the hip muscles, the study is known as HIPS for short. It requires a total of 42 in-person visits. Volunteers will be compensated.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: One will focus on strength training of the hips, and the other will do “power” training of the hip muscles.

“Power training is moving fast while they’re doing the exercises,” Gray explained.

All volunteers will benefit

During the three-month study, every participant, no matter which group they’re placed in, will strengthen their muscles, which is always a benefit.

“They’ll improve their balance, reduce their risk of falling and improve the strength of their muscles,” Gray said.

But the benefits of participating in the study may last for generations. Researchers soon may be able to recommend the ideal exercises for people to prevent falls.

“We’ll then provide the appropriate rate of exercise for people who have fallen or are at risk of falling,” Gray said.

For more information about the HIPS study, call (410) 605-7179.