Senior Falls Prevention Study

This study will measure differences in the incidence of falls and fall risk factors among subjects assigned to an intervention group and a control group. Subjects in the intervention group will receive a multi-faceted intervention based on best practices. Subjects in the control group will receive written fall prevention education materials. Fall monitoring will be conducted for subjects in both groups.

Specific components of the intervention will include:

• an individual fall risk assessment;
• exercise with balance and strength training;
• education on how to reduce falls and fall risk factors; and
• recommendations for medical care management of identified fall risk factors.

Inclusion criteria

• 65 years of age or older;
• Live in the community in a house, apartment, or retirement center;
• Able to speak and understand English;
• Able to walk without the physical assistance of another person (using an assistive device, such as a cane or walker, is ok);
• Able to participate in a falls prevention program for 12 months;
• Able to participate in exercise classes that meet 3 times per week for a minimum of 6 months.
• Able to provide their own transportation and be a year-round resident;
• Have a health care provider that they had seen within the past three years;
• Able to see and hear another person from a distance of 10 to 12 feet.
• Able to complete a 10-foot Timed Up and Go Test in < 30 seconds.
• Able to complete the Pfeiffer Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire with fewer than 5 errors.

Exclusion criteria

• Participated in regular, moderate exercise during the past 3 months (Regular exercise means physical activity that is done 30 minutes or longer, 3 or more times a week. Moderate exercise includes any physical activity that makes the heart beat faster or makes a person breathe harder or sweat, such as brisk walking, active gardening, or climbing stairs.)
• Has Parkinson disease or multiple sclerosis;
• Is under doctor's orders to restrict activity level.