Citation

Kramer BJ, Creekmur B, Mitchell MN, Rose DJ, Pynoos J, Rubenstein LZ. J. Aging Phys. Act. 2014; 22(3): 372-379.

Affiliation

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Los Angeles, CA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23945593

Abstract

The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence designed three progressive intensity fall prevention program models, Increasing Stability Through Evaluation and Practice (INSTEP) to reduce risk in community-dwelling older adults. Each model included physical activity, medical risk and home safety components and was implemented as a 12-week program for small class sizes (12-15 persons) in community and senior centers. Change in fall rates and fall risk factors was assessed using a battery of performance tests, self-reports of function and fall diaries in a three-group within-subjects (n=200) design measured at baseline, immediately post intervention, and at 3- and 9-months post-intervention. Overall, participants experienced a reduction in falls, improved self-perception of gait and balance, and improved dynamic gait functional. The medium intensity InSTEP model significantly (p = .003) reduced self-reported falls in comparison to the other models. InSTEP is a feasible model for addressing fall risk reduction in community-dwelling older adults.

Language: en