@article{ref1,
title="Moving Forward in Fall Prevention: An Intervention to Improve Balance among Older Adults in Real-World Settings",
journal="American journal of public health",
year="2005",
author="Gauvin, L. and Fournier, M. and Laforest, Sophie and Robitaille, Yvonne and Damestoy, Nicole and Trickey, Francine and Corriveau, Helene and Parisien, Manon",
volume="95",
number="11",
pages="2049-2056",
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.",
language="",
issn="0090-0036",
doi="10.2105/AJPH.2004.057612",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2004.057612"
}