The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility of a fall prevention exercise programme for older adults living in urban communities in China. The study will also gather preliminary data on whether the programme can improve adherence to exercise and reduce falls. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the Safe \& Joyful Walk programme feasible and acceptable for older adults in urban China? * Does the programme help participants stick to regular exercise? * Does the programme show early signs of improving balance, walking speed, and reducing falls? Researchers will compare the Safe \& Joyful Walk programme to Tai Chi to see which approach may better support exercise adherence and fall prevention. Participants will: * Attend 24 instructor-led group exercise sessions over 12 weeks * Complete additional unsupervised home-based exercise practices during the same 12-week intervention period * Continue unsupervised exercises during a 24-week follow-up period to assess long-term adherence * Complete surveys, interviews, and physical tests at baseline, 12 weeks, and 36 weeks * Record their exercise and any falls in diaries and calendars
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
36
A 12-week group-based exercise programme designed to improve balance, strength, and functional mobility. Participants attend 24 instructor-led sessions and complete additional home-based practices, with the combined duration of group and home sessions reaching the target of 120 minutes of exercise per week. Instructional videos, printed manuals, and WeChat reminders support adherence.
A 12-week group-based Tai Chi programme using the simplified 24-form Yang-style routine. Participants attend 24 instructor-led sessions and complete additional home-based practices, with the combined duration of group and home sessions reaching the target of 120 minutes of exercise per week. Instructional videos, printed manuals, and WeChat reminders support adherence.
QingShanHu University for the Elderly
Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
RECRUITINGSafety of the intervention (adverse events)
Safety will be assessed by the number and type of adverse events reported by participants and recorded in exercise diaries throughout the 12-week programme and 24-week follow-up.
Time frame: Baseline to 36 weeks.
Recruitment rate
Recruitment will be assessed by the proportion of eligible participants enrolled, recorded in the Study Screening Log.
Time frame: Up to 4 weeks
Attrition rate
Attrition will be assessed by the proportion of participants who withdraw before completing the 36-week follow-up, recorded in the Withdrawal Log.
Time frame: Baseline to 36 weeks
Fall rate
Falls will be tracked using participant fall calendars with monthly telephone verification; outcomes include number of falls and fallers over the 36-week period.
Time frame: Baseline to 36 weeks
Attendance at group sessions
Attendance will be assessed by the number and proportion of sessions attended, recorded in Attendance Logs.
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Adherence to home-based practice
Adherence will be assessed using Exercise Diaries, documenting frequency and duration of home-based practice.
Time frame: Baseline to 36 weeks
Balance confidence (Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale, ABC)
Balance confidence will be assessed using the Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, a 16-item self-report questionnaire measuring confidence in performing daily activities without losing balance. Scores range from 0% to 100%, with higher scores indicating greater balance confidence.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks and 36 weks
Gait speed (4-meter gait speed test)
Usual gait speed will be measured over 4 meters using standardized procedures; faster speed indicates better performance.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks and 36 weeks.
Balance performance (One-Leg Stance test)
Static balance will be assessed using the One-Leg Stance test; longer stance time indicates better balance.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks and 36 weeks.
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