Effects of an Evidence-Based Falls Risk-Reduction Program on Physical Activity and Falls Efficacy among Oldest-Old Adults. Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The current study was designed to examine changes in falls efficacy and physical activities among oldest-old and young-old participants in a falls risk-reduction program called a matter of balance/volunteer lay leader model. DESIGN AND METHODS: An oldest-old group (aged 85years and older; n=260) and a young-old group (aged between 65 and 84years old; n=1,139) in Texas with both baseline and post-intervention measures were included. Changes in Falls Efficacy Scale scores and weekly physical activity levels were examined from baseline to post-intervention. Repeated measures analysis of covariance were employed to assess program effects on falls efficacy. RESULTS: Results showed significant changes in falls efficacy from baseline to post-intervention, as well as a significant interaction effect between time (baseline and post-intervention) and physical activity on falls efficacy. IMPLICATIONS: Findings from this study imply the effectiveness of evidence-based programs for increasing falls efficacy in oldest-old participants. Future implications for enhancing physical activities and reducing fear of falling for oldest-old adults are discussed.

published proceedings

  • Front Public Health

altmetric score

  • 0.5

author list (cited authors)

  • Cho, J., Smith, M. L., Ahn, S., Kim, K., Appiah, B., & Ory, M. G.

citation count

  • 17

complete list of authors

  • Cho, Jinmyoung||Smith, Matthew Lee||Ahn, SangNam||Kim, Keonyeop||Appiah, Bernard||Ory, Marcia G

publication date

  • April 2014