A digitally delivered fall prevention initiative has been shown to reduce fall risks and boost strength in older adults, a new study has shown.
The findings emphasise the programme’s effectiveness in improving posture, balance and strength, which are all key factors in reducing fall risk.
The Strong Foundations programme, developed by researchers at University of California San Diego, is a structured once weekly (60 minutes), 12-week online regimen that combines postural alignment, balance exercises and strength training, and is accessible from participants’ homes.
One of its novel features is the delivery of semi-individualised instruction in real time within a small group setting. Semi-individualised instruction is attention given to an individual within the group course designed to correct exercise form.
“This study showcases the potential of accessible, online exercise programs to significantly enhance physical function for older adults,” said Ryan Moran, associate clinical professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine.
“Online delivery of exercise interventions offers some exciting and enticing prospects, as not only can this platform eliminate barriers related to difficulty with transportation and concerns about participating in conventional gym environments, it can also bring highly qualified experts to individuals who are most in need, and do so safely.”
Using a quasi-experimental design, the study included 92 participants aged 60 and older who were stratified by fall risk level. A total of 55 low risk and 37 moderate risk participants were recruited. Both low- and moderate-risk groups showed improvements in posture. Notably, older adults at moderate fall risk experienced the greatest gains, particularly in posture and physical strength.
“The improvements in posture alone are particularly noteworthy, given their strong correlation with fall risk and overall mobility,” Moran added.
David Wing, M.S., senior clinical research supervisor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, emphasised the broader implications of the findings: “Our findings clearly demonstrate the potential to deliver an effective fall prevention program for older adults through a technological interface.”
The researchers suggest that future studies explore the possibility of deploying this intervention in populations that are of a lower overall socio-economic status and more remote from the location of intervention deployment.
Further, developing these materials into other languages in a culturally appropriate manner could expand the reach to other populations who would benefit from the opportunity to receive at-home fall risk training.