Effects of multi-exercise program for prevention falls in elderly at risk of falls
Keywords:
Multi-exercise program, fall prevention, elderly, Time Up and Go, Short Falls Efficacy Scale InternationalAbstract
The elderly experience changes in various physiological systems, including mobility, which could lead to falls.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an exercise program in preventing falls among at-risk elderly individuals. The study methodology was a Quasi-experimental Design, specifically a Quasi-Equivalent Control Group Design during 1 December 2021 – 30 April 2022 in patient aged over 60 years old. The study compared the outcomes of a multi-exercise program for fall prevention among a study group of 39 individuals over a 12-week period, with a control group of 39 individuals receiving standard exercise programs, a control group. Both groups were evaluated before and after receiving their respective exercise programs using the Time Up and Go (TUG) test and the Short Falls Efficacy Scale International (Short FES-I).
Results: There were a total of 78 elderly patients, 39 cases in each group, with an average age of 72.35±7.47 years in the study group and 72.20±7.21 years in the control group. Both groups had equal distribution of male (7 cases, 18%) and female (32 cases, 82%). The average number of falls over the past 6 months and 1 year were as follows: study group 1.30±0.46 and 1.30±0.46 times, control group 1.35±0.48 and 1.51±0.50 times (p=0.067, p=0.636), respectively. Regarding fall risk (TUG) scores, the average was 16.06±2.68 for the study group and 16.13±3.33 for the control group (p=0.923). The average scores for fear of falling (Short FES-I) were 16.76±7.08 for the study group and 15.02±6.78 for the control group (p=0.271). After implementing the program, it was found that the study group had a significantly reduced average fall risk (TUG) score of 9.70±1.58 and a decreased average fear of falling score (Short FES-I) of 10.47±3.70 (p<0.001). The control group showed no significant difference in fall risk (TUG) with an average of 15.49±3.29, but their average fear of falling score (Short FES-I) increased to 19.00±5.460 (p=0.006). When comparing the fall risk (TUG) scores and fear of falling scores (Short FES-I) after the program, the study group's scores decreased significantly more than those of the control group, with statistical significance of p<0.001.
Conclusion: The combined exercise program for fall prevention among at-risk elderly individuals implemented in this study over a period of 12 weeks, has been shown to effectively reduce the risk and fear of falling in elderly individuals who are prone to falls. This program also has a positive impact on decreasing the fear of falling.
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