Minimally Supervised Multi-Modal Exercise to Reduce Falls Risk among Economically and Educationally Disadvantaged Older Adults

摘要

Few studies have evaluated the benefit of providing exercise to underprivileged older adults at risk for falls. Economically and educationally disadvantaged older adults with previous falls (mean age 79.06, SD= 4.55) were randomized to four months of multi-modal exercise provided as fully supervised center-based (FS, n =45) or as minim ally supervised home-based (MS, n = 42) or to non-exercise controls (C, n= 32). Comparing groups on the mean change in fall-relevant mobility task performance between baseline and four months and compared to the change in C, both FS and MS had significantly greater reduction in Timed Up and Go F(2,73)= 5.82, p =.004, η²partial = 0.14 and increase in Tandem Walk Speed F (2,73)= 7.71, p <.001 η²partial = 0.17. Change in performance did not statistically differ between FS and MS. In community dwelling economically and educationally disadvantaged older adults with a history of falls, minimally supervised home-based and fully supervised center-based exercise programs may be equally effective in improving fall-relevant functional mobility.