The interactive walkway provides fit-for-purpose fall-risk biomarkers in the elderly: Comparison of zolpidem and suvorexant.

ABSTRACT: Dynamic balance assessments such as walking adaptability may yield a more realistic prediction of drug-induced falls compared with postural stability measurements, as falls often result from limited gait adjustments when walking. The Interactive Walkway (IWW) measures walking adaptability but sensitivity to medication effects is unknown. If proven sensitive and specific, IWW could serve as a biomarker for targeted fall-risk assessments in early clinical drug development. In this three-way crossover study, 18 healthy elderly (age: 65-80 years) subjects received 5 mg zolpidem, 10 mg suvorexant, or placebo in the morning. Assessments were performed pre-dose and approximately hourly until 9 h post-dose. IWW assessments included an 8-meter walking test, goal-directed stepping, obstacle-avoidanc

SUBMITTER: Koopmans I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11231031 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature