title: Reducing fall risk by improving balance control: development, evaluation and knowledge-translation of new approaches.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Falling is a leading cause of serious injury, loss of independence, and nursing-home admission in older adults. Impaired balance control is a major contributing factor.
  
  
  METHODS
  Results from our balance-control studies have been applied in the development of new and improved interventions and assessment tools. Initiatives to facilitate knowledge-translation of this work include setting up a new network of balance clinics, a research-user network and a research-user advisory board.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our findings support the efficacy of the developed balance-training methods, balance-enhancing footwear, neuro-prosthesis, walker design, handrail-cueing system, and handrail-design recommendations in improving specific aspects of balance control. IMPACT ON KNOWLEDGE USERS: A new balance-assessment tool has been implemented in the first new balance clinic, a new balance-enhancing insole is available through pharmacies and other commercial outlets, and handrail design recommendations have been incorporated into 10 Canadian and American building codes. Work in progress is expected to have further impact.
authors.affiliation: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada. brian.maki@sri.utoronto.ca
authors.forename: Brian E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Maki
authors.forename: Katherine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Sibley
authors.forename: Susan B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Jaglal
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bayley
authors.forename: Dina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Geoff R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Fernie
authors.forename: Alastair J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Flint
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gage
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: William E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: McIlroy
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mihailidis
authors.forename: Stephen D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: Milos R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Popovic
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pratt
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Zettel
mesh_terms: D000056:Accident Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002170:Canada; D004779:Environment Design; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000503:physiopathology; D004856:Postural Balance; D012775:Shoes; D014481:United States; D014853:Walkers