A new research partnership between St. Cloud State University and CentraCare is focusing on one of the most persistent health risks facing older adults in Minnesota: falls.
The study, which is now recruiting participants aged 60 and older, aims to improve how fall risk is identified and addressed before injuries occur. Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury-related hospitalizations among older Americans, often resulting in reduced mobility, long-term health complications, and loss of independence.
Researchers involved in the project say the goal is to move beyond traditional assessments by examining a broader set of physical factors that contribute to falls. These include body composition, balance, strength, and overall physical fitness — measurements that are often evaluated separately in routine healthcare settings.
Participants will complete a one-time evaluation at the Human Performance Lab inside Halenbeck Hall on the St. Cloud State campus. The visit includes a series of non-invasive tests designed to assess balance control, movement patterns, and physical stability. Each participant will receive a personalized summary of their results at no cost.
The research is supported by roughly $100,000 in grant funding, allowing the team to invest in specialized testing equipment and expand the scope of the study. Organizers hope to enroll up to 200 older adults, creating a detailed local dataset to help identify early warning signs of fall risk.
The project also includes a prevention component. Selected participants will be invited to take part in a free 10-week fall prevention program scheduled to begin in early 2026 at the Whitney Senior Center. The program will focus on balance training, strength development, and education aimed at reducing injury risk.
The study is being led by faculty in exercise science at St. Cloud State, working in collaboration with CentraCare clinicians who specialize in orthopedic and rehabilitation care. Researchers say the partnership is designed to ensure findings can be applied directly in both community programs and clinical screening practices.
National health agencies have consistently highlighted falls as a major but often preventable public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Americans aged 65 and older experiences a fall each year, underscoring the need for earlier and more accurate risk assessment.
More information about CentraCare’s orthopedic and rehabilitation services can be found through the CentraCare Orthopedics network.
Who can participate: Adults aged 60 and older
Location: Human Performance Lab, Halenbeck Hall, St. Cloud State University
Contact: hpl@stcloudstate.edu | (320) 308-4798
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