Citation

Robitaille Y, Laforest S, Fournier M, Gauvin L, Parisien M, Corriveau H, Trickey F, Damestoy N. Am. J. Public Health 2005; 95(11): 2049-2056.

Affiliation

Institut national de sante publique du Quebec and Montreal Public Health Department.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, American Public Health Association)

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2004.057612

PMID

16195514

PMCID

PMC1449482

Abstract

Objectives. This study investigated the effectiveness of a group-based exercise intervention to improve balance among older adults when delivered in a natural environment by staff in local community organizations. Methods. The main component of the intervention consisted of bi-weekly group-based exercise sessions conducted over 12 weeks by a professional, coupled with home-based exercises. In a quasi-experimental design, 10 community organizations working with older adults offered the intervention to groups of 5 to 15 persons concerned about falls, while 7 organizations recruited similar groups to participate in the control arm of the study. Participants (98 experimental and 102 control) underwent balance assessments by a physiotherapist at registration and 3 months later. Results. 89% of participants attended the 3-month measurement session (N=177). A linear regression analysis showed that after adjusting for baseline levels of balance and demographic and health characteristics, the intervention significantly improved static balance and mobility. Conclusions. Structured, group-based exercise programs offered by community organizations in natural settings can successfully increase balance among community-dwelling older adults concerned about falls.