Prevention of Falls Among Older Adults in Community Settings

Oregon Research Institute670 enrolled

Overview

Objective: To conduct a comparative efficacy and cost-effectiveness study of an evidence-based fall prevention program-Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB).

To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the two evidence-based exercise programs (Multimodal Exercise,TJQMBB) relative to stretching, a proxy for a minimum practice standard, in reducing falls among older adults at risk of falling.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

670

Conditions

Fall

Interventions

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better BalanceBEHAVIORAL

The protocol involves a core 8-form routine training with built-in variations and a subroutine of integrated therapeutic movements.

Multimodal ExerciseBEHAVIORAL

The protocol involves a multi-modality program that involves aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises.

StretchingBEHAVIORAL

The protocol represents a minimum standard of practice for exercises for older adults with activities consisting primarily of seated exercises accompanied by breathing, stretching, and relaxation.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 70 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * aged 70 years or older living independently in the community * at least one fall in the preceding 12 months and a referral from a healthcare provider indicating the participant is at risk of falls due to gait/balance impairment or medication use or impaired mobility as evidenced by Timed Up and Go result of \>13.5 seconds * no participation in daily and/or structured vigorous physical activity or walking for exercise that lasted 15 minutes or longer at a time or muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week in the previous 3 months * walking independently, with or without the use of an assistive device, * no severe cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥20) * able to exercise safely as determined by their healthcare provider, * a willingness to be randomly assigned to an intervention condition and complete the 6-month intervention and 6 month follow-up. Exclusion Criteria: * any medical or physical conditions deemed unacceptable by their physician or healthcare provider, * planned to leave the study area within the next 12 months.

Locations (1)

Oregon Research Institute

Eugene, Oregon, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in the number of falls

Using a daily diary "fall calendar," falls reported by participants across the 24-week surveillance period will be collected, starting from the date of first intervention class and continuing until participants withdrew, had died or were lost to follow-up.