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Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT06912607

Exercise Program for Deaf Seniors to Increase Their Balance and Fitness

Deaf older adults 60 years and older are enrolled into an 8-week exercise program delivered in American Sign Language. The class meets twice a week, with handout and video homework.

Outcome measures are self-reported balance confidence, lower extremity strength, walking and agility, and standing balance. In addition, attendance and keeping up with exercises at home will be tracked.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Conditions

Deaf American Sign Language Behavior Fall Motor Activity Old Age

Age range

60 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Gallaudet University

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20002, United States

About this study

The intervention will be 8 weeks of 2 meetings/wk exercise class, delivered entirely in ASL.

Homework exercise will also be provided.

10-12 participants will be recruited for each of the 4 semesters of offerings.

Physical balance as well as balance confidence will be measured prior to and immediately after the 8-week intervention. In addition, balance confidence will be measured 6-months after the conclusion of the intervention period.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Deaf
  • Uses American Sign Language (ASL) fluently
  • Community-dwelling
  • Able to walk independently for at least 20 ft
  • Willing to attend classes twice a week at Gallaudet University

Exclusion criteria

  • Blindness
  • Dementia
  • Neurological conditions

Treatment and study plan

Balance in Motion Exercise class

Behavioral

8 weeks of 2 meetings/wk exercise class, with a once weekly homework exercise, delivered entirely in ASL

Primary outcomes

  1. Sit-to-Stand

    Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention

    The number of times a person can stand from a chair and sit down, without using hands.

  2. Timed Up-and-Go

    Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention

    The time it takes for a person to stand from a chair, walk 10 ft, turn around, walk back, and sit back down.

  3. Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration on Balance

    Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention

    The measure of how steadily a person can stand under 4 conditions (eyes open, on firm surface, eyes closed on firm surface, eyes open on foam, and eyes closed on foam)

  4. Sit and Reach

    Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention

    How far a person can reach beyond their toes. Measure of flexibility.

  5. Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale

    Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention, 6 months after intervention

    A self-report measure of how confident a person is in not falling under various conditions. Reported in 0-100%; higher score means more confidence (better outcome).

  6. Fall Risk Questionnaire

    Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention, 6 months after intervention

    A self-report measure of the number of risk factors a person exhibits. Reported in a scale of 0-14 points; higher score indicates a greater risk (worse outcome).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Attendance rate

    Time frame: During intervention

    How many exercise class sessions, out of 16, a participant attended

  2. Step Count

    Time frame: During intervention

    The number of steps gathered through Fitbit

  3. Effective exercise level

    Time frame: During intervention

    The Active Zone Minutes gathered through Fitbit

  4. Self-reported exercise level

    Time frame: 6 months after the intervention

    The participant's report on how much time they are spending on exercises

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Gallaudet University

Other

Collaborators

  • National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Registry information

Official study title

Balance and Fitness Enhancement Program for Deaf Older Adults

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 6, 2025
Registry last updated
Feb 19, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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