Prevention Focused Home-Based Physical Therapy Utilizing Community Partnership Referrals

Record of falls in prior year, and between each subsequent visit.

The Modified SPPB uses a 0-12 scale (0 = lowest function, 12 = highest function), calculated using collective outcomes of The Four Test Balance Scale (0= unable to perform, 1 = able to stand: feet together >10 sec, 2 = semi-tandem >10 sec, 4 = tandem stance >10 sec, higher score is better balance), 5 Time Sit to Stand (0 = >60 sec, 1=16.7 to 60 sec, 2 = 13.7 to 16.69 sec, 3 = 11.2 to 13.69 sec, and 4 = <11.19 sec, faster time is higher function), and the 3-meter gait speed test (0 = unable to perform, 1= > 6.52 sec, 2 = 4.66 to 6.52 sec, 3 = 3.62 to 4.65 sec, and 4 = < 3.62 sec, faster time is higher function). Each of the three categories has a highest score of 4 and are summed together for a highest total Modified SPPB score of 12.

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) is a times assessment of sit to stand transfer, 20 foot bought of ambulation with a 180 degree turn at 10 feet concluding with a stand to sit transfer.

Low, moderate, and high risk was determined relative to results of the stay independent brochure, subjective report of falls and fall risk and brochure questions, as well as gait, strength, and balance assessment. The Stopping Elderly Accidents, Death & Injuries (STEADI) Algorithm underwent revisions since the study onset, the 2015 version was utilized as a guide for key outcome metrics reported in this study. Low STEADI risk =0, moderate STEADI risk =1, and high STEADI risk = 2. Low risk participants were categorized based on "no" responses to falls or fall risk questions as well as no gait, strength, or balance problems. Moderate risk participants were categorized by answering "yes" to key questions as well as demonstrating some gait, strength, or balance problems, and had a fall without injury. High risk participants were categorized by answering yes to key questions, demonstrating gait, strength, or balance problems, and had 2 or more falls or 1 fall with an injury.

This questionnaire scores a fall risk on a scale from zero to 14, with 4 or more indicating a possible fall risk. Zero is the lowest fall risk score, 14 is a highest fall risk score.

Measures fear of falling for 10 indoor and 4 outdoor activities. For each statement the participant circles a number that corresponds to their level of confidence, with zero being no confidence and 10 being extreme confidence. Once all 14 items are scored, they are added for a total score maximum of 140 which is then divided by 14. A number closer to 14 equates to more confidence, and a number closer to zero equates to less confidence.

Assessment of current behaviors related to physical activity, consuming fruits and vegetables, not smoking, and being at a recommended weight. Patients are categorized using the five levels of the trans-theoretical model of behavior change. The pre-contemplating stage, or not ready for change is scored a 5. The contemplation stage or considering making a change in the next 6 months is scored a four. The preparation or preparing to make the change in the next 6 months is scored a 3. The action stage indicates the participant has made the change and is scored. The maintenance stage indicates the participants have maintained the change for at least 6 months and are scored a 1.

Self-assessment of disease comorbidity with physical function as the outcome. 18 diagnoses are listed and if the participant has been diagnosed with the condition it would be marked at a 1 and if they do not have the condition it would be marked as a zero. Zero would be the fewest amount of co-morbidities and 18 would be the highest amount of co-morbidities.

The tool evaluates 25 home safety domains and includes questions related to lighting, floor surfaces, and properly fitted foot wear. The original tool design was not scored but the investigators have added a scoring system (13 = safest environment to 50 = least safe environment) to quantify each question pertaining to the home environment. 13 home safety questions are scored as either Yes (indicating the recommended safety modifications was present) or No (indicating the recommended safety modifications had not been met). An additional 12 questions have an N/A option to be used in circumstances where a condition was not met (e.g., participant does not have a pet or stairs in the home). The investigators coded the responses as YES=1 point, NO= 2 points, an N/A= null within that category and not included during calculation. Therefore, overall Home FAST scores that decrease over time would suggest diminished home fall and accident risks related to their environment.

Assessment of body fat calculated from height and weight.

Assessment of mean resting blood pressure in seated position.

Blood pressure was measured sequentially in supine, seated and standing and orthostatic hypotension was determined by the following parameters: a systolic blood pressure decrease of greater than or equal to 20 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure decrease of greater than or equal to 10 mm Hg between any of the three positions after three minutes in that position.