Citation

Robitaille Y, Fournier M, Laforest S, Gauvin L, Filiatrault J, Corriveau H. J. Aging Health 2012; 24(5): 827-845.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0898264312436713

PMID

22422760

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a fall prevention program offered under real-world conditions on balance maintenance several months after the program. To explore the program's impact on falls. METHOD: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among community-dwelling seniors, with pre- and postintervention measures of balance performance and self-reported falls. Ten community-based organizations offered the intervention (98 participants) and 7 recruited participants to the study's control arm (102 participants). An earlier study examined balance immediately after the 12-week program. The present study focuses on the 12-month effect. Linear regression (balance) and negative binomial regression (falls) procedures were performed. RESULTS: During the 12-month study period, experimental participants improved and maintained their balance as reflected by their scores on three performance tests. There was no evidence of an effect on falls. DISCUSSION: Structured group exercise programs offered in community-based settings can maintain selected components of balance for several months after the program's end.

Language: en