AUTHOR=Cho Jinmyoung , Smith Matthew Lee , Ahn SangNam , Kim Keonyeop , Appiah Bernard , Ory Marcia G.

TITLE=Effects of an evidence-based falls risk-reduction program on physical activity and falls efficacy among oldest-old adults

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=2

YEAR=2015

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2014.00182

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2014.00182

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<sec id="ST1"><title>Purpose of the study</title><p>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.</p></sec><sec id="ST2"><title>Design and methods</title><p>An oldest-old group (aged 85 years and older; <italic>n</italic> = 260) and a young-old group (aged between 65 and 84 years old; <italic>n</italic> = 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.</p></sec><sec id="ST3"><title>Results</title><p>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.</p></sec><sec id="ST4"><title>Implications</title><p>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.</p></sec>