Effect of a home-based exercise program on subsequent falls among community-dwelling high-risk older adults after a fall: A randomised clinical trial[1].
This study conducted in Canada assessed the effect of a home-based exercise intervention on older adults (aged 70+) who had a fall within the past 12 months. All participants were recruited from a falls prevention clinic and were randomised into the exercise program with usual care or just usual care. All exercise programs were individualised, delivered by a physical therapist and focussed on strength and balance. The training was progressed over time to increase the difficulty and consisted of 5 strength exercises and 11 balance exercises. Participants were then required to complete the intervention and record any falls they had during the intervention. Any falls/injuries that occurred because of the intervention exercises were recorded by the physical therapist.
Results from this study showed that the fall rates were lower in the exercise group compared to the usual care group (p = .009). During a mean-follow up of 338 days, 236 falls occurred among the 172 participants in the exercise group. In the usual care group, 366 falls occurred among the 172 participants. The estimated fall rate incidence was 1.4 per person-year in the exercise group and 2.1 in the usual care group. Therefore, it was concluded that a home-based exercise program intervention reduced subsequent falls in older adults who sought medical attention after a fall.
This study provides an insight into the benefits of home-based exercise and its ability to reduce falls in high risk older adults who have recently experienced a fall (in the past 12 months). In the current climate, specifically with COVID, home-based exercise has erupted. More and more people are taking it upon themselves to exercise from home in many different capacities (online personal training, group online training etc). The study shows the ability and potential benefits of home-based exercise specifically for those who have experienced a fall. Those qualified, may consider the benefits of working with older individuals via an online platform, providing home-based workouts that are safe and effective.
References:
[1] LIU-AMBROSE, T et al., 2019. Effect of a home-based exercise program on subsequent falls among community-dwelling high-risk older adults after a fall: A randomised clinical trial. JAMA, 321(21), 2092-2100
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