Citation

Wurzer B, Waters DL, Hale LA, Leon De La Barra S. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2014; 95(6): 1060-1066.

Affiliation

University of Otago, Dunedin School of Medicine, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin, New Zealand 9054.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2014.01.018

PMID

24508186

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between length of participation in Steady As You Go (SAYGO) peer-led fall prevention exercise classes for older adults and 12-month fall incidence. DESIGN: Twelve-month prospective cohort study SETTING: Community settings in the Otago region of New Zealand PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred seven older adults (65+ years) actively participating in SAYGO classes INTERVENTION: Peer-led fall prevention exercise classes MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Twelve month prospective fall incidence data was collected by monthly calendars. Falls in the previous year and number of years of SAYGO participation were obtained by baseline questionnaire. Class attendance was monitored weekly by class attendance records. RESULTS: Two hundred and seven participants were recruited (mean age 77.7 SD 6.6 years, 189 females, 18 males). Mean SAYGO participation was 4.3 years (SD 2.5, range 1-10). Average class attendance was 69%. Crude fall rate was 0.75 per person year. Fall incidence at 12 and 24 months were highly correlated (r=.897, p<0.001). Longer SAYGO participation (≥3 years) resulted in lower 12-month fall incidence (IRR 0.90, 95%CI: 0.82 to 0.99, p=0.03) compared to shorter duration participation (1-2 years). CONCLUSION: SAYGO appears to be an effective fall prevention intervention with high attendance and lower fall incidence with long-term participation. Prospective, controlled studies on long-term participation in peer-led fall prevention exercise programmes are needed to confirm and extend these findings.

Language: en