By Shay Lelonek / News Director

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — St. Cloud State University is partnering with CentraCare for a new study that will investigate the relationship between body composition and fall risk in older adults in Central Minnesota.

An assistant professor of exercise science at SCSU, Dr. Kyle Reason, who is a primary investigator on the study, hopes to test 200 people “to help create a new statistical model to predict falls,” according to a University Communications media release.

Dr. Reason said, “I want us to have an impact on the community, and one way is by looking at fall risk.”

To help conduct the study, SCSU’s Human Performance Lab received two Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research grants, totaling $100k to buy state-of-the-art equipment.

Co-Private Investigator, Dr. George Morris, with CentraCare M Physicians Orthopedics said, “Falls with fractures in our elderly patients can change the life path of many of our community members.”

Last year, CentraCare — St. Cloud Hospital’s emergency room treated nearly one patient a day for serious fall-related injuries, which sparked further desire for the study.

According to the media release, two undergraduate students will be helping with a large part of the data collection, providing them research opportunities.

Select individuals will also have the change to participate in a free 10-week fall prevention program at the Whitney Senior Center beginning in February 2026, which will be led by the research team.

Those 60 years or older who are interested in participating can email hpl2stcloudstate.edu or call 320-308-4798.