We’re delighted to announce that our flagship community wellness program, gaitACTIVE, has been officially accepted into the National Council on Aging (NCOA) Evidence-Based Programming. This designation enables nonprofits, senior centers, and CCRCs across the United States to apply for federal and state funding to implement gaitACTIVE in their communities as a fall-prevention and mobility-boosting initiative.
gaitACTIVE is powered by GaitBetter’s FDA-registered motor-cognitive treadmill training system, a groundbreaking platform that combines physical movement with engaging virtual environments to improve balance, walking ability, and cognitive-motor integration in older adults. The program is designed specifically for aging populations and has demonstrated measurable success in reducing falls, restoring confidence, and improving quality of life.
“This NCOA recognition affirms what therapists and communities have already seen, that gaitACTIVE works,” said Hilik Harari, CEO of GaitBetter. “It brings an evidence-based, engaging, and enjoyable program to seniors in a way that is both scientifically proven and emotionally empowering. Along with the NCOA, we look forward to bringing gaitACTIVE to more communities across the country.”
Falls remain the #1 cause of injury-related deaths among Americans aged 65+, costing billions in healthcare spending and dramatically reducing independence and quality of life. While many programs focus solely on muscles’ strength or balance, gaitACTIVE takes a more holistic approach, targeting both physical and cognitive factors that contribute to falls.
Delivered as an instructor-guided training program within a clinic, wellness center, or community setting, gaiACTIVEsessions combine walking on a treadmill with immersive, real-time virtual scenarios. These scenarios challenge the user to adjust stride, respond to visual cues, practicing attention and decision making, all while moving, simulating the complexities of real-world walking.
The program combines motor and cognitive training on a treadmill, using virtual simulation to create an engaging, immersive experience. Targeting adults 60+ with a history of falls or fear of falling, GaitACTIVE consists of 15 sessions over 8 weeks, with twice-weekly, 30-minute guided sessions. Participants practice walking while performing interactive, gamified cognitive tasks, improving attention, reaction time, and balance under real-world conditions.
Visit the NCOA gaitACTIVE page here. https://www.ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-programs-gaitactive/
Want to bring gaitACTIVE to your center?
Visit gaitactive.gaitbetter.com to get started.