The evaluation of a strength and balance exercise program for falls prevention in community primary care.

The evaluation of a strength and balance exercise program for falls prevention in community primary care. Physiother Theory Pract. 2017 Jun 07;:1-11 Authors: Hawley-Hague H, Roden A, Abbott J Abstract We aimed to evaluate a strength and balance program delivered in the community. There is little evidence of implementation of evidence-based exercise in practice. The program was a step-down model, designed to encourage long-term exercise in community classes. The program consisted of a fully funded referral only evidence-based 12-week strength and balance (Community Otago) class, followed by an evidence-based continuous open-access community strength and balance class (Active Always). The program was offered to patients: 1) after formal falls rehabilitation (falls and fracture service); 2) after falls rehabilitation in intermediate care; and 3) referred by a GP who were not eligible for rehabilitation (preventative measure). Outcome evaluation used descriptive statistics to report changes in function, confidence in balance, hospital attendance/admission for falls/fractures and transition to community classes. Focus groups established participant experience/satisfaction. Seventy-nine participants were included, aged 56-96, and 53 (67%) were women. About 63.3% of patients transitioned to Active Always classes, demonstrating improvement in maintenance. Follow-up scores from baseline attendance at falls and fracture service to 12-weeks fol...
Source: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice - Category: Physiotherapy Authors: Tags: Physiother Theory Pract Source Type: research