Effectiveness of a Fall Prevention Exercise Program on Falls Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Purpose: Multimodal exercise programs improve functional capacity in older adults, but no progressive multimodal group exercise model that reduces fall risk has been detailed. In addition, research indicates that basic exercise programs can be led by peer exercise leaders with no formal fitness education, yet it is unknown whether a complex exercise programdesign would result in similar positive outcomes. The purposes of this study were 1) to determine the effect of a progressive multimodal 12-wk exercise program on falls risk, balance confidence, and perceptions of health and 2) to assess the effectiveness of the program when delivered by older lay exercise leaders. Methods: 1) Community-dwelling older adults (N = 95) were recruited and participated in a 12-wk multimodal progressive exercise program consisting of exercises for joint mobility, sensory stimulation, muscle strength/power, balance, and gait enhancement. The Functional Reach Test, Timed Up-And-Go Test, 30-s Chair Stand Test, Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and 12-item Short Form Health Outcomes Survey were collected at baseline and completion. 2) The same intervention was delivered to a randomized group of older adults assigned to lay exercise leaders (N = 23), certified fitness leaders (N = 24), or a control group (N = 23). Results: 1) The program significantly reduced falls risk and improved balance confidence and perceptions of health. 2) Both exercise lay leader and certified leader classes resulted in a significant reduction in falls risk compared with the control group. Conclusion: This 12-wk progressive multimodal exercise program was effective at reducing falls risk and may be adaptable to other settings.