Development of a Physical Fitness Promotion Model to Prevent Falls among the Elderly in Uttaradit Province

Abstract

The incidence of falls among the elderly is on the rise. The main causes and risk factors contributing to falls in older adults are identified as follows Gait, balance, and movement are affected by reduced muscle mass and lower limb strength. The objectives of this research to develop a Physical Fitness Promotion model to prevent falls among the elderly in the community, outcome expectation in care, fall prevention behaviors, and physical fitness among older adults in Uttaradit province This is a research and development (R&D) study. The sample consisted of 150 elderly individuals from all districts and 20 health personnel residing in Uttaradit Province. Purposive sampling was used. The research instruments included: (1) A general information and health literacy interview, understanding of risk factors, and fall prevention in the elderly (Phase 1) ; (2) Data collection from health personnel via focus group discussion and a researcher-developed self-efficacy promotion program (Phase 2) ; (3) Physical fitness tests in Phases 2–3; and (4) A general information interview and assessment of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and fall prevention behaviors among the elderly. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation In phase 3, inferential statistics were applied, specifically the paired sample t-test, to compare levels of physical fitness, self-efficacy, outcome expectations regarding health care, and fall prevention behaviors among older adults. Before and after participation in the physical fitness promotion program designed to prevent falls among the elderly.

            The study found that in phase 1, the elderly participants had a fair level of health literacy and understanding of risk factors, at 58% (S.D. = 1.83), and a low risk of falls, at 82% (S.D. = 1.43). In phases 2 and 3, after implementing the physical fitness enhancement program, participants showed improved performance in the TUG balance test, with a mean difference of 1.59 (Mean = 9.67 - 8.08). The average scores for self-efficacy, outcome expectations from health care, and fall prevention behaviors among the elderly increased significantly after the intervention (p < .001). The pre-intervention mean scores were 3.91 (S.D. = 0.84), 4.03 (S.D. = 0.57), and 4.02 (S.D. = 0.54), increasing to 4.09 (S.D. = 0.56), 4.37 (S.D. = 0.51), and 4.31 (S.D. = 0.46), respectively. The mean differences were 0.18, 0.34, and 0.29, respectively. The study demonstrates that the physical fitness promotion model for fall prevention in older adults can enhance physical fitness as well as self-efficacy for fall prevention among the elderly. This approach can be adopted as a guideline for caring for homebound elderly individuals, who are at high risk for falls and social isolation.