Fall Prevention in Older Adults Study

Fall prevention interventions among community-dwelling older adults are essential. A Matter of Balance (MOB) is one of the most commonly used community-based fall prevention interventions nationally, and is considered the 'fall prevention standard of care'. MOB programs are targeted to reduce the fear of falling and promote physical activity among all older community-dwelling adults. While evidence indicates that the MOB program leads to small, sustained decreases in older adults' perceived fear of falling, there is no evidence of objectively measured balance and gait. Despite its name, MOB focuses on cognitive restructuring to manage concerns about falling, and does not include a balance component. Among community-dwelling older adults, both intact balance and concomitant attention ("dual-tasking") are essential to prevent falls, and dual-task balance components are now requisite per evidence-based fall prevention intervention guidelines.

Inclusion criteria

• Community-dwelling older adults from all sex/gender and racial/ethnic groups, aged ≥ 60 years, at high fall risk (FRQ=Fall Risk Questionnaire score > 4), who live in the greater Tucson, AZ area.

Exclusion criteria

• Older adults currently attending MOB or other fall prevention classes (e.g. Fall Proof), having a severe mobility disorder (e.g., unable to walk 15 feet with an assistive device), severe visual or hearing impairment, non-English speaking, lack of decision-making capacity, unable to provide informed consent, serious psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia), moderately-severe depression (PHQ-9=Patient Health Questionnaire ≥ 15), cognitive impairment (MMSE=Mini-Mental Status Exam ≤ 23), or serious medical condition (e.g., cancer treatments).