What are the effects of exercise interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community? - A Cochrane Review summary with commentary

Healthy ageing among older Aboriginal people: the Ironbark study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Older Aboriginal people have a strong leadership role in their community including passing on knowledge and teachings around culture and connections to Country. Falls significantly affect older people and are a growing concern for older Aboriginal people and their families. Regular participation in balance and strength exercise has been shown to be efficacious in reducing falls. A pilot study developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities, the Ironbark: Standing Strong and Tall programme, demonstrated high community acceptability and feasibility, and gains in balance and strength in Aboriginal participants. This cluster randomised controlled trial will assess the effectiveness of the programme in reducing the rate of falls in older Aboriginal people.

METHODS

We will examine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Ironbark group-based fall prevention programme compared with a group-based social programme, with Aboriginal people aged 45 years and older in three Australian states. The primary outcome is fall rates over 12 months, measured using weekly self-reported data. Secondary outcomes measured at baseline and after 12 months include quality of life, psychological distress, activities of daily living, physical activity, functional mobility and central obesity. Differences between study groups in the primary and secondary outcomes at 12 months will be estimated.

CONCLUSION

This is the first trial to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a fall prevention programme for Aboriginal peoples aged ≥45 years. The study has strong cultural and community governance, including Aboriginal investigators and staff, and is guided by a steering committee that includes representatives of Aboriginal community-controlled services.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12619000349145.

Knowledge, skills and attitudes of older people and staff about getting up from the floor following a fall: a qualitative investigation

Background

Falls are the most common reason for ambulance callouts resulting in non-conveyance. Even in the absence of injury, only half of those who fall can get themselves up off the floor, often remaining there over an hour, increasing risk of complications.

There are recognized techniques for older people to learn how to get up after a fall, but these are rarely taught. The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of attitudes of older people, carers and health professionals on getting up following a fall.

Methods

A qualitative focus group and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 participants, including community-dwelling older people with experience of a non-injurious fall, carers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, paramedics and first responders. Data were transcribed and analysed systematically using the Framework approach. A stakeholder group of falls experts and service users advised during analysis.

Results

The data highlighted three areas contributing to an individual’s capability to get-up following a fall: the environment (physical and social); physical ability; and degree of self-efficacy (attitude and beliefs about their own ability). These factors fell within the wider context of making a decision about needing help, which included what training and knowledge each person already had to manage their fall response.

Staff described how they balance their responsibilities, prioritising the individual’s immediate needs; this leaves limited time to address capability in the aforementioned three areas. Paramedics, routinely responding to falls, only receive training on getting-up techniques from within their peer-group. Therapists are aware of the skillset to breakdown the getting-up process, but, with limited time, select who to teach these techniques to.

Conclusion

Neither therapists nor ambulance service staff routinely teach strategies on how to get up, meaning that healthcare professionals largely have a reactive role in managing falls. Interventions that address the environment, physical ability and self-efficacy could positively impact on peoples’ capability to get up following a fall. Therefore, a more proactive approach would be to teach people techniques to manage these aspects of future falls and to provide them easily accessible information.

Exercise to Reduce Mobility Disability and Prevent Falls After Fall-Related Leg or Pelvic Fracture: RESTORE Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Disability and falls are common following fall-related lower limb and pelvic fractures.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of an exercise self-management intervention on mobility-related disability and falls after lower limb or pelvic fracture.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred thirty-six community dwellers aged 60+ years within 2 years of lower limb or pelvic fracture recruited from hospitals and community advertising.

INTERVENTIONS

RESTORE (Recovery Exercises and STepping On afteR fracturE) intervention (individualized, physiotherapist-prescribed home program of weight-bearing balance and strength exercises, fall prevention advice) versus usual care.

MAIN MEASURES

Primary outcomes were mobility-related disability and rate of falls.

KEY RESULTS

Primary outcomes were available for 80% of randomized participants. There were no significant between-group differences in mobility-related disability at 12 months measured by (a) Short Physical Performance Battery (continuous version, baseline-adjusted between-group difference 0.08, 95% CI - 0.01 to 0.17, p = 0.08, n = 273); (b) Activity Measure Post Acute Care score (0.18, 95% CI - 2.89 to 3.26, p = 0.91, n = 270); (c) Late Life Disability Instrument (1.37, 95% CI - 2.56 to 5.32, p = 0.49, n = 273); or in rate of falls over the 12-month study period (incidence rate ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.34, n = 336, p = 0.83). Between-group differences favoring the intervention group were evident in some secondary outcomes: balance and mobility, fall risk (Physiological Profile Assessment tool), physical activity, mood, health and community outings, but these should be interpreted with caution due to risk of chance findings from multiple analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant intervention impacts on mobility-related disability and falls were detected, but benefits were seen for secondary measures of balance and mobility, fall risk, physical activity, mood, health, and community outings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12610000805077.

Changes in physical activity and risk of fracture: a Korean nationwide population-based cohort study

Physical activity (PA) is one of the most important modifiable factors associated with fracture risk. However, the association between interval changes in PA and the risk of fracture remains unknown. We investigated the risk of fracture development according to interval changes in PA in middle aged and older individuals. In this nationwide cohort study of adults aged ≥ 40 years, more than 4.9 million individuals without fractures within the last year who underwent two consecutive national health screenings in Korea from 2009 to 2012 were identified. The risk of fracture between 2013 and 2016 according to interval changes in regular PA was prospectively analyzed. Compared to individuals with a continuous lack of PA, those with a decrease in PA (0.41/1000 person-years (PY) decrease in incidence rate (IR); adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.975; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.964–0.987), increase in PA (1.8/1000 PY decrease in IR; aHR 0.948; 95% CI 0.937–0.959), and continuous PA (3.58/1000 PY decrease in IR; aHR 0.888; 95% CI 0.875–0.901) had a significantly reduced risk of fracture. Interval changes in regular PA were associated with risk of fracture. Individuals who engaged in continuous regular PA exhibited the maximum protective benefit against fracture.

The global burden of falls: global, regional and national estimates of morbidity and mortality from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

BACKGROUND

Falls can lead to severe health loss including death. Past research has shown that falls are an important cause of death and disability worldwide. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (GBD 2017) provides a comprehensive assessment of morbidity and mortality from falls.

METHODS

Estimates for mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were produced for 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017 for all ages using the GBD 2017 framework. Distributions of the bodily injury (eg, hip fracture) were estimated using hospital records.

RESULTS

Globally, the age-standardised incidence of falls was 2238 (1990-2532) per 100 000 in 2017, representing a decline of 3.7% (7.4 to 0.3) from 1990 to 2017. Age-standardised prevalence was 5186 (4622-5849) per 100 000 in 2017, representing a decline of 6.5% (7.6 to 5.4) from 1990 to 2017. Age-standardised mortality rate was 9.2 (8.5-9.8) per 100 000 which equated to 695 771 (644 927-741 720) deaths in 2017. Globally, falls resulted in 16 688 088 (15 101 897-17 636 830) YLLs, 19 252 699 (13 725 429-26 140 433) YLDs and 35 940 787 (30 185 695-42 903 289) DALYs across all ages. The most common injury sustained by fall victims is fracture of patella, tibia or fibula, or ankle. Globally, age-specific YLD rates increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the burden of falls is substantial. Investing in further research, fall prevention strategies and access to care is critical.

Balance and functional training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews

This overview of systematic reviews examined the effect of balance and functional strength training on health outcomes in adults aged 18 years or older, to inform the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines. Four electronic databases were searched for systematic reviews published between January 2009 and May 2019. Eligibility criteria were determined a priori for population (community-dwelling adults), intervention (balance and functional training), comparator (no intervention or different types/doses), and outcomes (critical: falls and fall-related injuries; adverse events; important: physical functioning and disability; health-related quality of life; physical activity; and sedentary behaviour). Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility and performed AMSTAR 2 assessment. One review was selected per outcome. Of 3288 records and 355 full-text articles, 5 systematic reviews were included, encompassing data from 15 890 participants in 23 countries. In adults 65 years and older, balance and functional training and Tai Chi reduced the rate of falls and the number of people who fell, and improved aspects of physical functioning and physical activity. The effect on health-related quality of life and falls requiring hospitalization was uncertain. While inconsistently monitored, only 1 serious adverse event was reported. No evidence was available in adults under age 65 years. Included systematic reviews and primary evidence reported by review authors ranged in quality. Overall, participation in balance and functional training reduced falls and improved health outcomes in adults 65 years of age and older. PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019134865.

Novelty This overview informs updated guidelines for balance training in adults. Balance and functional training reduced falls and improved health outcomes.

Preserving Mobility in Older Adults with Physical Frailty and Sarcopenia: Opportunities, Challenges, and Recommendations for Physical Activity Interventions

One of the most widely conserved hallmarks of aging is a decline in functional capabilities. Mobility loss is particularly burdensome due to its association with negative health outcomes, loss of independence and disability, and the heavy impact on quality of life. Recently, a new condition, physical frailty and sarcopenia, has been proposed to define a critical stage in the disabling cascade. Physical frailty and sarcopenia are characterized by weakness, slowness, and reduced muscle mass, yet with preserved ability to move independently. One of the strategies that have shown some benefits in combatting mobility loss and its consequences for older adults is physical activity. Here, we describe the opportunities and challenges for the development of physical activity interventions in people with physical frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of this article is to review age-related physio(patho)logical changes that impact mobility in old age and to provide recommendations and procedures in accordance with the available literature.

Falls in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Risk Identification, Intervention, and Future Directions

Falls are highly prevalent in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and result in a range of negative consequences, such as injury, activity curtailment, reduced quality of life, and increased need for care and time off work. This narrative review aims to summarize key literature and to discuss future work needed in the area of fall prevention for people with MS. The incidence of falls in people with MS is estimated to be more than 50%, similar to that in adults older than 80 years. The consequences of falls are considerable because rate of injury is high, and fear of falling and low self-efficacy are significant problems that lead to activity curtailment. A wide range of physiological, personal, and environmental factors have been highlighted as potential risk factors and predictors of falls. Falls are individual and multifactorial, and, hence, approaches to interventions will likely need to adopt a multifactorial approach. However, the literature to date has largely focused on exercise-based interventions, with newer, more comprehensive interventions that use both education and exercise showing promising results. Several gaps in knowledge of falls in MS remain, in particular the lack of standardized definitions and outcome measures, to enable data pooling and comparison. Moving forward, the involvement of people with MS in the design and evaluation of programs is essential, as are approaches to intervention development that consider implementation from the outset.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies with General Practitioner Involvement Focused on Falls Prevention for Community-Dwelling Older People

Objectives: Falls are a significant health problem for the ageing population. This review aimed to identify effective falls prevention interventions with involvement of general practitioners (GPs). Methods: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials conducted from 1999-2019, with meta-analysis. Searches located 2736 articles. A quality assessment was conducted of all included studies. Results: 21 randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and 19 studies could be included in a meta-analysis. Overall, studies were not effective for reducing multiple falls (Relative Risk (RR) 1.16, 95% CI .97-1.39 and p = .10) or reducing one or more falls (RR .91, 95% CI: .82-1.01 and p = .08), but were effective for reducing injurious falls (RR .76, 95% CI: .66-.87 and p = .001). Discussion: Studies involving the GP in an active role and aligned with the primary care context were effective. The fidelity of interventions was limited by independent GP decisions and older participants being required to initiate the intervention.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Fall Risk Screening Strategy Among Frail Older Adults for the Primary Care Setting: A Study Protocol

BACKGROUND

Falls are an increasing problem among older people. There are several evidence-based interventions available to prevent falls. However, these are not always well implemented in the primary care setting. General practitioners (GPs) are often the first point of contact for health issues, making them the designated professionals for providing falls prevention. Because GPs are often unaware which patients have a high fall risk and patients themselves do not always know they have a high fall risk, this study aims to evaluate the implementation of a targeted fall risk screening strategy among independently living, frail older people in the primary care setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The targeted fall risk screening strategy used in this study consists of tools for screening high fall risk and for identifying the underlying cause(s) of the high fall risk, an accredited training course in falls prevention for professionals, and service provision by certified physio- and exercise therapists who are able to offer evidence-based falls prevention interventions. This targeted fall risk screening strategy will be implemented in the primary care setting and evaluated at the level of the GP practice and at the level of the patient by using the RE-AIM model of Glasgow et al. In a pre-posttest design, data will be collected of the total number of frail older people who are screened, referred and enrolled for fall-preventive care. Furthermore, barriers and facilitators of the implementation of the fall risk screening strategy will be identified by conducting focus groups and interviews with the care providers and frail older patients. Additionally, the influence of the falls prevention interventions on frail older patients will be evaluated by using a pre-posttest design with a 12-month follow-up period during which data are collected regarding patients' stability, mobility, strength, balance, self-efficacy, health status, and daily activities.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is approved by the Medical Ethics Committee Brabant, the Netherlands (NL61582.028.17/ P1732) and registered at the Netherlands Trial Register, NL7917.

Feasibility of a novel Judo4Balance - fall preventive exercise programme targeting community-dwelling older adults

Objectives:

It is of utmost importance to investigate risk factors for falls and learning techniques for falling safely. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a novel judo-inspired exercise intervention for community-dwelling older adults.

Methods:

We included 28 participants, 60–88 years of age, in this study. In three different settings, the feasibility of carrying out a full-scale study was evaluated by the following: the study process, resource management and scientific aspects. The outcome measures evaluated were physical performance, fall related self-efficacy and fall techniques (backwards and forwards) among the older adults.

Results:

The intervention was judged to be feasible in the different settings used in this study. Some changes regarding duration of the intervention were suggested as being important. Significant improvements were seen in the selected outcome measures, physical performance (p=.030) and fall techniques (p=<.001). A corresponding difference was not found for fall related self- efficacy (p=.113).

Conclusions:

This study confirms the judo inspired exercise programme, Judo4Balance, to be a feasible intervention for active older adults. This study will provide a safe and thoroughly planned protocol for the planned study and provides indication of appropriate setting depending on the target group.

Effectiveness of exercise intervention on fall-related fractures in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Exercise intervention can significantly improve physical function and bone strength; however, the effect of exercise on fall-related fractures in older adults remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of exercise intervention on fall-related fractures in older adults by conducting a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for RCTs through November 24, 2019 to investigate the effectiveness of exercise intervention on fall-related fractures in older adults. Pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the random-effects model. Sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 7704 older adults and 428 fall-related fracture events from 20 RCTs were selected for the final meta-analysis. The follow-up duration across included trials ranged from 6.0 months to 7.0 years. The pooled RR suggested that exercise intervention was associated with a reduced fall-related fracture risk in older adults (RR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.59-0.92; P = 0.007; I2 = 12.6%). The pooled conclusion was robust and not affected by any individual trial. Subgroup analysis revealed that the significant effect of exercise intervention on fall-related fractures was mainly detected when the study reported results from both male and female subjects, when it did not report the baseline body mass index, when individuals received both home- and center-based interventions, when the follow-up duration was > 1.0 year, and when it was a high-quality study.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular exercise intervention could prevent fall-related fractures in older adults. Further large-scale RCTs should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of different exercise programs on fall-related fractures at various sites.

Environmental and behavioural interventions for reducing physical activity limitation and preventing falls in older people with visual impairment

BACKGROUND

Impairment of vision is associated with a decrease in activities of daily living. Avoidance of physical activity in older adults with visual impairment can lead to functional decline and is an important risk factor for falls. The rate of falls and fractures is higher in older people with visual impairment than in age-matched visually normal older people. Possible interventions to reduce activity restriction and prevent falls include environmental and behavioral interventions.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of environmental and behavioral interventions in reducing physical activity limitation, preventing falls and improving quality of life amongst visually impaired older people.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (including the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (Issue 2, 2020), Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and eight other databases to 4 February 2020, with no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized controlled trials (Q-RCTs) that compared environmental interventions, behavioral interventions or both, versus control (usual care or no intervention); or that compared different types of environmental or behavioral interventions. Eligible study populations were older people (aged 60 and over) with irreversible visual impairment, living in their own homes or in residential settings. To be eligible for inclusion, studies must have included a measure of physical activity or falls, the two primary outcomes of interest. Secondary outcomes included fear of falling, and quality of life.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included six RCTs (686 participants) conducted in five countries (Australia, Hungary, New Zealand, UK, US) with follow-up periods ranging from two to 12 months. Participants in these trials included older adults (mean age 80 years) and were mostly female (69%), with visual impairments of varying severity and underlying causes. Participants mostly lived in their homes and were physically independent. We classified all trials as having high risk of bias for masking of participants, and three trials as having high or unclear risk of bias for all other domains. The included trials evaluated various intervention strategies (e.g. an exercise program versus home safety modifications). Heterogeneity of study characteristics, including interventions and outcomes, (e.g. different fall measures), precluded any meta-analysis. Two trials compared the home safety modification by occupational therapists versus social/home visits. One trial (28 participants) reported physical activity at six months and showed no evidence of a difference in mean estimates between groups (step counts: mean difference (MD) = 321, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1981 to 2623; average walking time (minutes): MD 1.70, 95% CI -24.03 to 27.43; telephone questionnaire for self-reported physical activity: MD -3.68 scores, 95% CI -20.6 to 13.24; low-certainty of evidence for each outcome). Two trials reported the proportion of participants who fell at six months (risk ratio (RR) 0.76, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.51; 28 participants) and 12 months (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.80, 196 participants) with low-certainty of evidence for each outcome. One trial (28 participants) reported fear of falling at six months, using the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International, and found no evidence of a difference in mean estimates between groups (MD 2.55 scores, 95% CI -0.51 to 5.61; low-certainty of evidence). This trial also reported quality of life at six months using 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, and showed no evidence of a difference in mean estimates between groups (MD -3.14 scores, 95% CI -10.86 to 4.58; low-certainty of evidence). Five trials compared a behavioral intervention (exercise) versus usual activity or social/home visits. One trial (59 participants) assessed self-reported physical activity at six months and showed no evidence of a difference between groups (MD 9.10 scores, 95% CI -13.85 to 32.5; low-certainty of evidence). Three trials investigated different fall measures at six or 12 months, and found no evidence of a difference in effect estimates (RRs for proportion of fallers ranged from 0.54 (95% CI 0.29 to 1.01; 41 participants); to 0.93 (95% CI 0.61 to 1.39; 120 participants); low-certainty of evidence for each outcome). Three trials assessed the fear of falling using Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International or the Illinois Fear of Falling Measure from two to 12 months, and found no evidence of a difference in mean estimates between groups (the estimates ranged from -0.88 score (95% CI -2.72 to 0.96, 114 participants) to 1.00 score (95% CI -0.13 to 2.13; 59 participants); low-certainty of evidence). One trial (59 participants) assessed the European Quality of Life scale at six months (MD -0.15 score, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.01), and found no evidence of a clinical difference between groups (low-certainty of evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence of effect for most of the environmental or behavioral interventions studied for reducing physical activity limitation and preventing falls in visually impaired older people. The certainty of evidence is generally low due to poor methodological quality and heterogeneous outcome measurements. Researchers should form a consensus to adopt standard ways of measuring physical activity and falls reliably in older people with visual impairments. Fall prevention trials should plan to use objectively measured or self-reported physical activity as outcome measures of reduced activity limitation. Future research should evaluate the acceptability and applicability of interventions, and use validated questionnaires to assess the adherence to rehabilitative strategies and performance during activities of daily living.

Reliability and validity of an enhanced paper grip test; A simple clinical test for assessing lower limb strength

BACKGROUND

The paper-grip-test (PGT) involves pulling a small card from underneath the participant's foot while asking them to grip with their hallux. The PGT is shown to be effective in detecting foot muscle-weakening but its outcome is operator-dependent. To overcome this limitation, an enhanced PGT (EPGT) is proposed that replaces the pass/fail outcome of the PGT with a continuous measurement of the pulling force that is needed to remove the card (EPGT-force).

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is the EPGT-force an accurate, reliable and clinically applicable measurement of strength?

METHODS

Reliability and clinical applicability were examined in two ways. Firstly, two examiners measured EPGT-force for twenty healthy volunteers in a test/retest set-up. EPGT force was measured using a dynamometer, the hallux grip force was measured using a pressure mat. The clinical applicability of the EPGT was tested in ten people with diabetes. Postural sway was also measured.

RESULTS

Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) revealed excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.75). Intra-rater reliability was excellent for the first examiner (ICC = 0.795) and good for the second (ICC = 0.703). Linear regression analysis indicated that hallux grip force accounted (on average) for 83 %±4 % of the variability in EPGT force. This strong relationship between EPGT force and hallux grip force remained when the test was performed in a clinical setting with the latter accounting for 88 % in EPGT force variability. Spearman rank order correlation showed that people with diabetes with a higher difference in EPGT force between limbs swayed more.

SIGNIFICANCE

EPGT force is a reliable and accurate measurement of hallux grip force. Hallux grip force was previously found to be strongly correlated to the strength of all muscle groups of the foot and ankle and to the ability to maintain balance. The proposed EPGT could be used to monitor muscle weakness in clinics for better falls-risk assessment.

Dietary weight-loss interventions for the management of obesity in older adults

The obesity epidemic has reached old age in most industrialized countries, but trials elucidating the benefits and risks of weight reduction in older adults above 70 years of age with obesity remain scarce. While some findings demonstrate a reduced risk of mortality and other negative health outcomes in older individuals with overweight and mild obesity (i.e. body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m²), other recent research indicates that voluntary weight loss can positively affect diverse health outcomes in older individuals with overweight and obesity (BMI > 27 kg/m²), especially when combined with exercise. However, in this age group weight reduction is usually associated with a reduction of muscle mass and bone mineral density. Since uncertainty persists as to which level overweight or obesity might be tolerable (or even beneficial) for older persons, current recommendations are to consider weight reducing diets only for older persons that are obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and have weight-related health problems. Precise treatment modalities (e.g. appropriate level of caloric restriction and indicated dietary composition, such as specific dietary patterns or optimal protein content) as well as the most effective and safest way of adding exercise are still under research. Moreover, the long-term effects of weight-reducing interventions in older individuals remain to be clarified, and dietary concepts that work for older adults who are unable or unwilling to exercise are required. In conclusion, further research is needed to elucidate which interventions are effective in reducing obesity-related health risks in older adults without causing relevant harm in this vulnerable population.

Association of Dance-Based Mind-Motor Activities With Falls and Physical Function Among Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Falls increase morbidity and mortality in adults 65 years and older. The role of dance-based mind-motor activities in preventing falls among healthy older adults is not well established.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of dance-based mind-motor activities in preventing falls.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic search included the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, AgeLine, AMED, and Scopus databases from database inception to February 18, 2018, using the Medical Subject Headings aged 65 and older, accidental falls, and dancing.

STUDY SELECTION

This systematic review and meta-analysis included 29 randomized clinical trials that evaluated a dance-based mind-motor activity in healthy older adults with regard to fall risk, fall rate, or well-established measures of physical function in the domains of balance, mobility, and strength. The included studies targeted participants without comorbidities associated with higher fall risk. Dance-based mind-motor activities were defined as coordinated upright mind-motor movements that emphasize dynamic balance, structured through music or an inner rhythm (eg, breathing) and distinctive instructions or choreography, and that involve social interaction.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Standardized independent screening, data extraction, and bias assessment were performed. Data were pooled using random-effects models. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcomes were risk of falling and rate of falls. For the secondary end points of physical function (balance, mobility, and strength), standardized mean differences (SMDs) were estimated and pooled (Hedges g).

RESULTS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 randomized clinical trials, dance-based mind-motor activities were significantly associated with reduced (37%) risk of falling (risk ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.49-0.80; 8 trials, 1579 participants) and a significantly reduced (31%) rate of falls (incidence rate ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53-0.89; 7 trials, 2012 participants). In addition, dance-based mind-motor activities were significantly associated with improved physical function in the domains of balance (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.33-0.90; 15 trials, 1476 participants), mobility (SMD, -0.56; 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.31; 13 trials, 1379 participants), and lower body strength (SMD, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.23-0.91; 13 trials, 1613 participants) but not upper body strength (SMD, 0.18; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.38; 4 trials, 414 participants).

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Among healthy older adults, dance-based mind-motor activities were associated with decreased risk of falling and rate of falls and improved balance, mobility, and lower body strength. This type of activity may be useful in preventing falls in this population.

Approaches to the diagnosis and prevention of frailty

An individual who is living with frailty has impairments in homeostasis across several body systems and is more vulnerable to stressors that may ultimately predispose them to negative health-related outcomes, disability and increased healthcare use. Approximately a quarter of individuals aged > 85 years are living with frailty and as such the identification of those who are frail is a public health priority. Given that the syndrome of frailty is defined by progressive and gradual loss of physiological reserves there is much scope to attempt to modify the trajectory of the frailty syndrome via physical activity and nutritional interventions. In this review we give an up to date account on the identification of frailty in clinical practice and offer insights into physical activity and nutritional strategies that may be beneficial to modify or reverse the frailty syndrome.

Social marketing interventions to promote physical activity among 60 years and older: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Falls are a significant source of morbidity in people aged 65 and over, affecting one in three people in this age group. The scientific evidence indicates that physical activity is the most effective method for preventing falls among seniors. Although public health professionals often use social marketing to design and plan successful interventions, its use to promote physical activity and prevent falls among older people remains low. This article aims to provide a new systematic literature review of social marketing interventions promoting physical activity and targeting people aged 60 and over.

METHODS

Following CRD's guidance and PRISMA guidelines, we searched between January 2008 and July 2019 for relevant articles in five primary databases using predefined search and inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers analysed the selected articles to identify evidence of the seven social marketing benchmark criteria, defined by experts in the field as the common elements that contribute to social marketing success.

RESULTS

The final review included nine studies. Of the studies selected, three specifically targeted over 60-year-olds, whereas the others segmented the population into several age-based subcategories, including over 60-year-olds. Eight studies highlighted positive results for the participants with an increase in participation or an increase in physical activity level. None of the nine studies selected for this systematic review implemented the entire social marketing approach.

CONCLUSION

Few published interventions use the seven social marketing criteria. Further research is required to encourage uptake and inclusion in successful social marketing interventions to increase program effectiveness in this target population.

Falls prevention interventions for community-dwelling older people living in mainland China: a narrative systematic review

Background

Falls in community-dwelling older people have been recognised as a significant public health issue in China given the rapidly growing aged population. Although there are several reviews documenting falls prevention programs for community-dwelling older adults, no systematic reviews of the scope and quality of falls prevention interventions in Mainland China exist. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review falls prevention interventions for community-dwelling older people living in Mainland China.

Methods

We systematically reviewed literature from Chinese and English databases. All types of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies published from 1st January 1990 to 30th September 2019 were included. Observational studies and studies in care facilities and hospitals were excluded. Narrative synthesis was performed to summarise the key features of all included studies. Quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and ROBINS-I tool for randomised and non-randomised studies respectively.

Results

A total of 1020 studies were found, and 101 studies were included in the analysis. Overall, very few high quality studies were identified, and there was insufficient rigor to generate reliable evidence on the effectiveness of interventions or their scalability. Most interventions were multiple component interventions, and most studies focused on outcomes such as self-reported falls incidence or awareness of falls prevention.

Conclusion

There is an opportunity to undertake an evaluation of a rigorously-designed, large-scale falls prevention program for community-dwelling older people in Mainland China. To help mitigate the rising burden of falls in Mainland China, recommendations for future falls prevention interventions have been made. These include: (1) target disadvantaged populations; (2) incorporate personalised interventions; and (3) investigate the effectiveness of those under-explored interventions, such as psychological, social environment, management of urinary incontinence, fluid or nutrition therapy and surgery. The study results will also potentially provide a useful evidence base for other low-and-middle income countries in a similar situation.

Characteristics of sagittal spine alignment in female patients with distal radius fractures due to fall

Objectives

Distal radius fractures occur due to reflex clasp when falling. Recently, attention has been focused on the strong relationship between sagittal spine alignment and falls. Therefore, we investigated the parameters of sagittal spinal alignment in distal radius fractures in female patients.

Patients and methods

The subjects were group D: 28 female patients with distal radius fractures aged 50 years or older (mean age: 69.3 years), and group C: 26 healthy female patients without a history of fragility fractures (mean age: 70.5 years). Height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) were measured as physical indices. As parameters of sagittal spinal alignment, the sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), lumber lordosis (LL), and thoracic kyphosis (TK) were measured on lateral whole-spine plain radiographs in a standing position. The measured physical indices and sagittal spinal alignment parameters were compared between groups.

Results

Height, weight, and BMI did not differ significantly between the two groups. Among the sagittal spinal alignment parameters, PT, PI, SS, LL, and TK did not differ significantly between groups, whereas SVA was significantly higher in group D than in group C (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, SVA was significantly higher in group D than in group C. As SVA increased, the center of gravity of the body shifts forward, which can cause the body to lose balance and fall. This study suggested that an increase in SVA is associated with distal radius fractures.

Isokinetic eccentric exercise substantially improves mobility, muscle strength and size, but not postural sway metrics in older adults, with limited regression observed following a detraining period

Introduction

Eccentric exercise can reverse age-related decreases in muscle strength and mass; however, no data exist describing its effects on postural sway. As the ankle may be more important for postural sway than hip and knee joints, and with older adults prone to periods of inactivity, the effects of two 6-week seated isokinetic eccentric exercise programmes, and an 8-week detraining period, were examined in 27 older adults (67.1 ± 6.0 years).

Methods

Neuromuscular parameters were measured before and after training and detraining periods with subjects assigned to ECC (twice-weekly eccentric-only hip and knee extensor contractions) or ECC_PF (identical training with additional eccentric-only plantarflexor contractions) training programmes.

Results

Significant (P < 0.05) increases in mobility (decreased timed-up-and-go time [− 7.7 to − 12.0%]), eccentric strength (39.4–58.8%) and vastus lateralis thickness (9.8–9.9%) occurred after both training programmes, with low-to-moderate weekly rate of perceived exertion (3.3–4.5/10) reported. No significant change in any postural sway metric occurred after either training programme. After 8 weeks of detraining, mobility (− 8.2 to − 11.3%), eccentric strength (30.5–50.4%) and vastus lateralis thickness (6.1–7.1%) remained significantly greater than baseline in both groups.

Conclusion

Despite improvements in functional mobility, muscle strength and size, lower-limb eccentric training targeting hip, knee and ankle extensor muscle groups was not sufficient to influence static balance. Nonetheless, as the beneficial functional and structural adaptations were largely maintained through an 8-week detraining period, these findings have important implications for clinical exercise prescription as the exercise modality, low perceived training intensity, and adaptive profile are well suited to the needs of older adults.

Physical activity and exercise: Strategies to manage frailty

Frailty, a consequence of the interaction of the aging process and certain chronic diseases, compromises functional outcomes in the elderly and substantially increases their risk for developing disabilities and other adverse outcomes. Frailty follows from the combination of several impaired physiological mechanisms affecting multiple organs and systems. And, though frailty and sarcopenia are related, they are two different conditions. Thus, strategies to preserve or improve functional status should consider systemic function in addition to muscle conditioning. Physical activity/exercise is considered one of the main strategies to counteract frailty-related physical impairment in the elderly. Exercise reduces age-related oxidative damage and chronic inflammation, increases autophagy, and improves mitochondrial function, myokine profile, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway, and insulin sensitivity. Exercise interventions target resistance (strength and power), aerobic, balance, and flexibility work. Each type improves different aspects of physical functioning, though they could be combined according to need and prescribed as a multicomponent intervention. Therefore, exercise intervention programs should be prescribed based on an individual's physical functioning and adapted to the ensuing response.

Interactions Between Different Age-Related Factors Affecting Balance Control in Walking

Maintaining balance during walking is a continuous sensorimotor control problem. Throughout the movement, the central nervous system has to collect sensory data about the current state of the body in space, use this information to detect possible threats to balance and adapt the movement pattern to ensure stability. Failure of this sensorimotor loop can lead to dire consequences in the form of falls, injury and death. Such failures tend to become more prevalent as people get older. While research has established a number of factors associated with higher risk of falls, we know relatively little about age-related changes of the underlying sensorimotor control loop and how such changes are related to empirically established risk factors. This paper approaches the problem of age-related fall risk from a neural control perspective. We begin by summarizing recent empirical findings about the neural control laws mapping sensory input to motor output for balance control during walking. These findings were established in young, neurotypical study populations and establish a baseline of sensorimotor control of balance. We then review correlates for deteriorating balance control in older adults, of muscle weakness, slow walking, cognitive decline, and increased visual dependency. While empirical associations between these factors and fall risk have been established reasonably well, we know relatively little about the underlying causal relationships. Establishing such causal relationships is hard, because the different factors all co-vary with age and are difficult to isolate empirically. One option to analyze the role of an individual factor for balance control is to use computational models of walking comprising all levels of the sensorimotor control loop. We introduce one such model that generates walking movement patterns from a short list of spinal reflex modules with limited supraspinal modulation for balance. We show how this model can be used to simulate empirical studies, and how comparison between the model and empirical results can indicate gaps in our current understanding of balance control. We also show how different aspects of aging can be added to this model to study their effect on balance control in isolation.

The role of exercise in the management of adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: a rapid review

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, accounting for one quarter of all new cancer diagnoses for males. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard first-line therapy for metastatic PCa but is also used across much of the spectrum of disease. Unfortunately, debilitating adverse effects are a significant and largely unavoidable feature of ADT. A recent systematic review of adverse effects of ADT identified 19 sub-groups classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 5.0. The potential for multiple simultaneous adverse effects, their associated management and the impact of adverse effects on cancer outcomes and quality of life are important considerations in the treatment and supportive care of men with PCa. Exercise is increasingly being recognized as an efficacious strategy in managing these adverse effects.

METHODS

A rapid review was undertaken to examine the role of exercise in the management of the most commonly reported ADT adverse effects classified according to the CTCAE sub-groups. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, Google Scholar and Google for the years 2010 to September 2019 to identify the benefits of exercise in managing the adverse effects of ADT for PCa.

RESULTS

There is strong evidence for exercise as medicine in addressing several of the adverse effects of PCa such as loss of muscle mass and strength, fatigue and declining physical function. Moderate level evidence for PCa exists for exercise-induced improvements in depression and anxiety, bone loss, and sexual dysfunction. While evidence of the effectiveness of exercise is lacking for many adverse effects of ADT for PCa, evidence in the cancer population as a whole or other clinical populations is strong, and many clinical guidelines recommend exercise as a fundamental part of their clinical management. With the exception of gynaecomastia and breast pain, there is increasing evidence (PCa, cancer or other clinical populations) to suggest that exercise has the potential to reduce and even prevent many of the adverse effects of ADT, thus improving survivorship outcomes for men with PCa.

CONCLUSION

Exercise has the potential to reduce and even prevent many of the adverse effects of ADT, thus improving survivorship outcomes for men with PCa. The use of exercise for PCa management has the potential to translate into health and economic benefits in improved quality of life and fewer complications, resulting in savings to the health care system, enhanced productivity and reduced patient and carer burden. Exercise thus has the potential to improve quality of life for this population as well as generate significant cost savings.

Effects of resistance exercise in prostate cancer patients : A systematic review update as of March 2020

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review is to provide an update on the effects of resistance exercise (RE) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa), with special attention to the effects on sexual health.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was conducted in March 2020 using the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Library. Only randomized, controlled trials published after 31 December 2016 were included in this update. Additionally, articles from current and previous reviews were utilized to provide a brief summary of the effects on sexual health.

Results

A total of 10 articles met the inclusion criteria, of which 5 were identified as independent studies. The remaining five articles presented additional data for studies, which have already been included. The identified studies further strengthened the evidence for positive effects on muscle strength, body composition and physical function. Positive effects on bone mineral density were apparent only when RE was combined with impact training. One article reported an improvement in fatigue and health-related quality of life. Only one study examined the effects of RE in isolation and three articles indicated positive effects of exercise on sexual health.

Conclusion

Recent evidence supports the use of RE in PCa patient rehabilitation as a countermeasure for treatment side effects. Further research is necessary to ascertain the optimal delivery methods and illuminate the effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), fatigue and sexual health.

Physical fitness in older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture after a resistance and balance exercise programme: 3-month post-intervention follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

Background

Exercise is recommended for individuals with vertebral fractures, but few studies have investigated the effect of exercise on outcomes of importance for this population. Post-intervention effects of exercise are even less studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate habitual walking speed and other health-related outcomes after cessation of a 3-month exercise intervention.

Methods

This follow-up study was conducted 3 months post-intervention of a randomised controlled trial. A total of 149 community-dwelling Norwegian women aged 65 years or older, diagnosed with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture were randomised into either exercise or control group. Primary outcome was habitual walking speed at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were other measures of physical fitness – including the Four Square Step Test (FSST), functional reach, grip strength and Senior Fitness Test – measures of health-related quality of life and fear of falling. Herein we report secondary data analysis of all outcomes at 6 months (3 months post-intervention). Data were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle, linear mixed regression models were employed.

Results

For the primary outcome, habitual walking speed, there was no statistically significant difference between groups (0.03 m/s, 95%CI − 0.02 to 0.08, p = 0.271) at the 3-month post-intervention follow-up. For secondary outcomes of physical fitness, statistically significant differences in favour of the intervention group were found for balance using the FSST (− 0.68 s, 95%CI − 1.24 to − 0.11, p = 0.019), arm curl (1.3, 95%CI 0.25 to 2.29, p = 0.015), leg strength using the 30-s sit to stand (1.56, 95%CI 0.68 to 2.44, p = 0.001) and mobility using the 2.45-m up and go (− 0.38 s, 95%CI − 0.74 to − 0.02, p = 0.039). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding fear of falling in favour of the intervention group (− 1.7, 95%CI − 2.97 to − 0.38, p = 0.011). No differences between groups were observed for health-related quality of life.

Conclusion

The results show the improved effects of a multicomponent exercise programme on outcomes like muscle strength, balance and mobility as well as fear of falling in a group of older women with osteoporosis and vertebral fracture 3 months post-intervention.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02781974. Registered 25.05.16. Retrospectively registered.

Which interventions are effective in preventing falls in people with multiple sclerosis? A Cochrane Review summary with commentary

BACKGROUND

Falls are common and serious health concern in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Various types of falls prevention interventions are currently investigated in people with MS.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of interventions to reduce falls in people with MS.

METHODS

To summarize falls prevention interventions from the published Cochrane Review "Interventions for preventing falls in people with multiple sclerosis" conducted by Hayes et al. Best available evidence was discussed from the rehabilitation perspective.

RESULTS

Overall 13 RCTs with 839 participants were included. The interventions evaluated included: exercise, education, and functional electrical stimulation alone or in combination. Majority of the included studies demonstrated high risk of bias. The findings suggest that the evidence was uncertain regarding the effects of evaluated interventions on preventing or reducing falls.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for any falls prevention interventions in people with MS is sparse and uncertain, and more robust studies are needed.

Effectiveness of exergames for improving mobility and balance in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Exergaming is a fun, engaging, and interactive form of exercising that may help overcome some of the traditional exercise barriers and help improve adherence on the part of older adults, providing therapeutic applications for balance recovery and functional mobility. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the effects of exergames on mobility and balance in older adults.

METHODS

The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. The following databases were searched from inception to August 2019: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, CINAHL, and INSPEC. We selected randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of exergames on balance or mobility of older adults without neurological conditions, in comparison to no intervention or health education. Two review authors independently screened the trials' titles and abstracts and identified trials for inclusion according to the eligibility criteria. An almost perfect agreement between the authors was observed with respect to interrater reliability of trial selection (kappa = 0.84; P < 0.001). We performed descriptive analysis of the quantitative data to summarize the evidence. Meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan. A random effects model was used to compute the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

After screening 822 records, 12 trials comparing exergames with no intervention were included. A total of 1520 older adults participated in the studies, with a mean age of 76 ± 6 years for the experimental group and 76 ± 5 years for the control group. Quantitative synthesis showed significant improvements in balance and mobility based on the center of pressure sway (SMD = - 0.89; 95%CI = - 1.26 to - 0.51; P = 0.0001; I² = 58%), Berg Balance Scale (MD = 2.15; 95%CI = 1.77 to 2.56; P = 0.0001; I² = 96%), and on Timed Up and Go test (MD = - 2.48; 95%CI = - 3.83 to - 1.12; P = 0.0003; I² = 0).

CONCLUSIONS

Exergames improved balance and mobility in older adults without neurological disorders and motivate patients to keep performing balance exercises. High quality studies with standardized assessment protocols are necessary to improve the strength of the evidence.

Safety and feasibility of a Dalcroze eurhythmics and a simple home exercise program among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia: the MOVE for your MIND pilot trial

Background

Falls represent a major health problem for older adults with cognitive impairment, and the effects of exercise for fall reduction are understudied in this population. This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility, safety, and exploratory effectiveness of a Dalcroze eurhythmics program and a home exercise program designed for fall prevention in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early dementia.

Methods

For this three-arm, single-blind, 12-month randomized controlled pilot trial, we recruited community-dwelling women and men age 65 years and older with MCI or early dementia through participating memory clinics in Zurich, Switzerland. Participants were randomly assigned to a Dalcroze eurhythmics group program, a simple home exercise program (SHEP), or a non-exercise control group. All participants received 800 IU of vitamin D₃ per day. The main objective of the study was to test the feasibility of recruitment and safety of the interventions. Additional outcomes included fall rate, gait performance, and cognitive function.

Results

Over 12 months, 221 older adults were contacted and 159 (72%) were screened via telephone. Following screening, 12% (19/159) met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate. One participant withdrew at the end of the baseline visit and 18 were randomized to Dalcroze eurhythmics (n = 7), SHEP (n = 5), or control (n = 6). Adherence was similarly low in the Dalcroze eurhythmics group (56%) and in the SHEP group (62%; p = 0.82). Regarding safety and pilot clinical endpoints, there were no differences between groups.

Conclusion

The MOVE for your MIND pilot study showed that recruitment of older adults with MCI or early dementia for long-term exercise interventions is challenging. While there were no safety concerns, adherence to both exercise programs was low.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02279316. Registered on 31 October 2014

A Randomized Trial of a Multifactorial Strategy to Prevent Serious Fall Injuries

BACKGROUND

Injuries from falls are major contributors to complications and death in older adults. Despite evidence from efficacy trials that many falls can be prevented, rates of falls resulting in injury have not declined.

METHODS

We conducted a pragmatic, cluster-randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention that included risk assessment and individualized plans, administered by specially trained nurses, to prevent fall injuries. A total of 86 primary care practices across 10 health care systems were randomly assigned to the intervention or to enhanced usual care (the control) (43 practices each). The participants were community-dwelling adults, 70 years of age or older, who were at increased risk for fall injuries. The primary outcome, assessed in a time-to-event analysis, was the first serious fall injury, adjudicated with the use of participant report, electronic health records, and claims data. We hypothesized that the event rate would be lower by 20% in the intervention group than in the control group.

RESULTS

The demographic and baseline characteristics of the participants were similar in the intervention group (2802 participants) and the control group (2649 participants); the mean age was 80 years, and 62.0% of the participants were women. The rate of a first adjudicated serious fall injury did not differ significantly between the groups, as assessed in a time-to-first-event analysis (events per 100 person-years of follow-up, 4.9 in the intervention group and 5.3 in the control group; hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 1.06; P = 0.25). The rate of a first participant-reported fall injury was 25.6 events per 100 person-years of follow-up in the intervention group and 28.6 events per 100 person-years of follow-up in the control group (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.99; P = 0.004). The rates of hospitalization or death were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A multifactorial intervention, administered by nurses, did not result in a significantly lower rate of a first adjudicated serious fall injury than enhanced usual care. (Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and others; STRIDE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02475850.).

A patient-level key performance indicator set to measure the effectiveness of fracture liaison services and guide quality improvement: a position paper of the IOF Capture the Fracture Working Group, National Osteoporosis Foundation and Fragility Fracture Network

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Capture the Fracture® Campaign with the Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) and National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) has developed eleven patient-level key performance indicators (KPIs) for fracture liaison services (FLSs) to guide quality improvement.

INTRODUCTION

Fracture Liaison Services (FLSs) are recommended worldwide to reduce fracture risk after a sentinel fracture. Given not every FLS is automatically effective, the IOF Capture the Fracture working group has developed and implemented the Best Practice Framework to assess the organisational components of an FLS. We have now developed a complimentary KPI set that extends this assessment of performance to the patient level.

METHODS

The Capture the Fracture working group in collaboration with the Fragility Fracture Network Secondary Fragility Fracture Special Interest Group and National Osteoporosis Foundation adapted existing metrics from the UK-based Fracture Liaison Service Database Audit to develop a patient-level KPI set for FLSs.

RESULTS

Eleven KPIs were selected. The proportion of patients: with non-spinal fractures; with spine fractures (detected clinically and radiologically); assessed for fracture risk within 12 weeks of sentinel fracture; having DXA assessment within 12 weeks of sentinel fracture; having falls risk assessment; recommended anti-osteoporosis medication; commenced of strength and balance exercise intervention within 16 weeks of sentinel fracture; monitored within 16 weeks of sentinel fracture; started anti-osteoporosis medication within 16 weeks of sentinel fracture; prescribed anti-osteoporosis medication 52 weeks after sentinel fracture. The final KPI measures data completeness for each of the other KPIs. For these indicators, levels of achievement were set at the < 50%, 50-80% and > 80% levels except for treatment recommendation where a level of 50% was used.

CONCLUSION

This KPI set compliments the existing Best Practice Framework to support FLSs to examine their own performance using patient-level data. By using this KPI set for local quality improvement cycles, FLSs will be able to efficiently realise the full potential of secondary fracture prevention and improved clinical outcomes for their local populations.

Older adults' preferences for, adherence to and experiences of two self-management falls prevention home exercise programmes: a comparison between a digital programme and a paper booklet

BACKGROUND

Fall prevention exercise programmes are known to be effective, but access to these programmes is not always possible. The use of eHealth solutions might be a way forward to increase access and reach a wider population. In this feasibility study the aim was to explore the choice of programme, adherence, and self-reported experiences comparing two exercise programmes - a digital programme and a paper booklet.

METHODS

A participant preference trial of two self-managed fall prevention exercise interventions. Community-dwelling adults aged 70 years and older exercised independently for four months after one introduction meeting. Baseline information was collected at study start, including a short introduction of the exercise programme, a short physical assessment, and completion of questionnaires. During the four months intervention period, participants self-reported their performed exercises in an exercise diary. At a final meeting, questionnaires about their experiences, and post-assessments, were completed. For adherence analyses data from diaries were used and four subgroups for different levels of participation were compared. Exercise maintenance was followed up with a survey 12 months after study start.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven participants, with mean age 77 ± 4 years were included, 72% were women. Forty-three percent chose the digital programme. Attrition rate was 17% in the digital programme group and 37% in the paper booklet group (p = .078). In both groups 50-59% reported exercise at least 75% of the intervention period. The only significant difference for adherence was in the subgroup that completed ≥75% of exercise duration, the digital programme users exercised more minutes per week (p = .001). Participants in both groups were content with their programme but digital programme users reported a significantly higher (p = .026) degree of being content, and feeling supported by the programme (p = .044). At 12 months follow-up 67% of participants using the digital programme continued to exercise regularly compared with 35% for the paper booklet (p = .036).

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise interventions based on either a digital programme or a paper booklet can be used as a self-managed, independent fall prevention programme. There is a similar adherence in both programmes during a 4-month intervention, but the digital programme seems to facilitate long-term maintenance in regular exercise.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinTrial: NCT02916849.

A clinical guide to the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcopenia

Advances in medicine have paved the way for older persons to live longer, but with more years spent living with disability and dependency. Many older persons are living with comorbidities such as osteoporosis (loss of bone mass) and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and function), two diseases that, when concurrent, form osteosarcopenia, a newly identified musculoskeletal syndrome. Osteosarcopenia impedes mobility and diminishes independence and thus quality of life. Evidence suggests the pathology of this syndrome comprises genetic polymorphisms, alterations in mechanotransduction, and localized or systemic crosstalk between growth factors and other proteins (myokines, osteokines, adipokines). As a direct result of an aging society, health outcomes such as falls and fractures will rise as the prevalence of osteosarcopenia increases. Two major risk factors for osteosarcopenia (other than age itself) are physical inactivity and poor nutrition. Addressing these modifiable risk factors can prevent, or at least delay, the onset of osteosarcopenia. Pharmaceutical treatments for osteosarcopenia are currently unavailable, although research trials are underway. This review provides an update from basic and clinical sciences on the biology, epidemiology (prevalence, risk factors and diagnosis) and treatments for osteosarcopenia, and recommends future research priorities to improve health outcomes for those living with or at risk of osteosarcopenia.

Impact of the backward chaining method on physical and psychological outcome measures in older adults at risk of falling: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Being unable to "get up from the floor" is a risk factor and predictor of serious fall-related injuries in older age; however, floor-rise training (FRT) is not widely used. The backward chaining method (BCM) is a success-oriented, step-by-step form of FRT. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of BCM on physical and psychological outcome measures, and its clinical application.

METHODS

Studies were identified through systematic searching of five databases. Criteria for inclusion were: use of BCM as a treatment method, outcome measures related to falls, and participants aged 60 + years. Study quality was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and PEDro scale, if applicable.

RESULTS

Seven studies with a total of 446 participants (mean age 82.4 ± 5.3 years) were identified. Emerging evidence shows that BCM significantly improves the ability to get up unassisted from the floor, as well as mobility with reduced fall incidence in older people. Furthermore, it can potentially reduce fear of falling. Reporting on feasibility and acceptance of BCM was limited. Study quality varied widely.

CONCLUSIONS

BCM provides a promising intervention in fall-related recovery strategies for older adults and is most effective when offered to older adults at risk of falling. Considering the small number of included studies and the varying methodological quality, these findings should be evaluated accordingly. The growing evidence regarding the benefits of BCM, yet the lack of adoption into standard care, highlights the need for further research and clinical application of this intervention approach.

Neither Timed Up and Go test nor Short Physical Performance Battery predict future falls among independent adults aged ≥75 years living in the community

Objectives:

Previous research has shown that balance and gait difficulties are predictors of falls. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive validity of two tools reporting on balance and gait among older community-living adults independent in personal activities of daily living (p-ADL).

Methods:

Prospective study design. Baseline assessment included the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Following baseline, falls were recorded monthly for one year by 202 participants (70.1% women) who were independent in p-ADL, and at least 75 years old (79.2±3.5). ROC-curves were made and AUC were calculated.

Results:

Forty-seven percent of the participants reported falls. AUCs calculated for TUG were 0.5 (95%CI: 0.5-0.6) for those with at least one fall, and 0.5 (95% CI: 0.5-0.6) for recurrent fallers. Corresponding figures for SPPB were 0.5 (95% CI: 0.5-0.6) and 0.5 (95% CI: 0.5-0.6).

Conclusion:

This study does not support a recommendation to use the Timed Up and Go test or the Short Physical Performance Battery as tools for the identification of fall-prone persons among older adults living in the community. These results reinforce the need for further research into appropriate tools for identifying independent but fall-prone older adults.

Personal preferences of participation in fall prevention programmes: a descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Participation in fall prevention programmes is associated with lower risk of injurious falls among older adults. However participation rates in fall prevention interventions are low. The limited participation in fall prevention might increase with a preference based approach. Therefore, the aims of this study are to a) determine the personal preferences of older adults regarding fall prevention and b) explore the association between personal preferences and participation.

METHODS

We assessed the personal preferences of older adults and the association between their preferences, chosen programme and participation level. Nine different programmes, with a focus on those best matching their personal preferences, were offered to participants. Twelve weeks after the start of the programme, participation was assessed by questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed to test the association between preferences and participation and an ANOVA was performed to assess differences between the number of preferences included in the chosen programme and participation level.

RESULTS

Of the 134 participants, 49% preferred to exercise at home versus 43% elsewhere, 46% preferred to exercise alone versus 44% in a group and 41% indicated a programme must be free of charge while 51% were willing to pay. The combination of an external location, in a group and for a fee was preferred by 27%, whereas 26% preferred at home, alone and only for free. The presence of preferences or the extent to which the programme matched earlier preferences was not associated with participation.

CONCLUSION

Despite the fact that preferences can vary greatly among older adults, local programmes should be available for at least the two largest subgroups. This includes a programme at home, offered individually and for free. In addition, local healthcare providers should cooperate to increase the accessibility of currently available group programmes.

Exercise of Dynamic Stability in the Presence of Perturbations Elicit Fast Improvements of Simulated Fall Recovery and Strength in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Age-related impairments of reactive motor responses to postural threats and reduced muscular capacities of the legs are key factors for the higher risk of falling in older people. It has been evidenced that a training of dynamic stability in the presence of perturbations has the potential to improve these deficits. However, the time course of training effects during such interventions is poorly understood. The purpose of this parallel-group study was to investigate the temporal adaptation dynamics of the balance recovery performance and leg strength during a dynamic stability training. Forty-two healthy older adults (65–85 years) were randomly assigned to a training (n = 27, analyzed n = 18) or control group (n = 15, n = 14). The training was conducted in a group setting for 6 weeks (3×/week, 45 min). The exercises focused on the mechanism of stability control (i.e., modulation of the base of support and segment counter-rotations around the center of mass) during standing, stepping, and jumping on unstable surfaces with a high balance intensity. Before, after 3 and after 6 weeks, the maximum plantar flexion moment and the knee extension moment were assessed. The recovery performance was evaluated by a simulated forward fall (lean-and-release test) and the margin of stability concept. The margin of stability at release decreased significantly after 3 weeks of training (34%, effect size g = 0.79), which indicates fast improvements of balance recovery performance. The margin of stability further decreased after week 6 (53%, g = 1.21), yet the difference between weeks 3 and 6 was not significant. Furthermore, the training led to significant increases in the plantar flexion moment after weeks 3 (12%, g = 0.72) and 6 (13%, g = 0.75) with no significant difference between weeks. For the knee extension moment, a significant increase was found only after week 6 (11%, g = 1.07). The control group did not show any significant changes. This study provides evidence that a challenging training of dynamic stability in the presence of perturbations can improve balance recovery performance and leg strength of older adults already after a few weeks. Therefore, short-term training interventions using this paradigm may be an effective strategy for fall prevention in the elderly population, particularly when intervention time is limited.

Prevalence of muscle dysfunction concomitant with osteoporosis in a home-dwelling Danish population aged 65-93 years - The Copenhagen Sarcopenia Study

INTRODUCTION

As life expectancy increases, a growing percentage of older individuals with age-related diseases such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia are expected. Patients with both conditions, i.e. patient with osteosarcopenia, are suggested to have a higher risk of fall and fracture compared to individuals with either condition.

AIM

To investigate the potential relationship between low bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle dysfunction in a Danish cohort of older home-dwelling individuals. Furthermore, to examine the prevalence of osteosarcopenia and alterations in prevalence depending on cut-off values chosen.

METHOD

Measures of BMD, relative appendicular lean mass and hand grip strength were assessed in 529 individuals aged 65+ from the population-based cross-sectional Copenhagen Sarcopenia Study (CSS). Osteoporosis was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in accordance with the guidelines from the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) with application of cut-off values from the EWGSOP2 paper compared to cut-off values derived from a local cohort (CSS).

RESULTS

19.2% had osteoporosis (66 women and 35 men), whereas 2.7% (6 women and 8 men) and 4.2% (7 women and 15 men) had sarcopenia with application of EWGSOP2 and CSS cut-off values, respectively. Using the EWGSOP2 cut-off values, 1.5% (4 women and 4 men) were diagnosed with osteosarcopenia compared to 1.4% (4 women and 3 men) using CSS cut-off values. In the osteoporosis sub-population, 8% (EWGSOP2) and 7% (CSS) had sarcopenia and within the sarcopenia sub-population, 61.5% (EWGSOP2) and 33.3% (CSS) had osteoporosis. At all sites, BMD was lower among individuals with sarcopenia and sarcopenia increased the risk of osteoporosis (odds ratios: EWGSOP2: 7.3 (p < 0.001) and CSS: 2.2 (ns)).

CONCLUSION

Osteosarcopenia was present in 1.5% of a group of healthy home-dwelling older individuals. Notably, individuals with sarcopenia had lower BMD and a higher risk of osteoporosis, whereas the opposite (prevalence of sarcopenia in individuals with osteoporosis) was not as frequent. Our data indicate that screening for sarcopenia and osteoporosis should be performed simultaneously in older individuals at high risk of falls and fractures. However, further studies with outcome-related results are needed to identify optimal measures of osteosarcopenia and cut-off values for sarcopenia.

Health promotion and prevention: The impact of specifically adapted judo-inspired training program on risk factors for falls among adults

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Judo-inspired exercises may be effective for learning techniques for falling safely among adults.

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Physical and psychological functions increase after 10 sessions of judo-inspired exercises.

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Judo-inspired exercises may serve as an additional measure to address risk factors for falls.

Globally, falls and fall-related injuries constitute a severe threat to public health at all ages. New approaches are warranted since existing knowledge and actions have failed to reduce the incidence of falls and fall-related injuries, both at work and during leisure time. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to investigate the impact of a 10-week supervised judo-inspired exercise program, Judo4Balance, provided in a workplace setting among men and women targeting: physical functions, activity level, fall-related self-efficacy, and techniques for safe landing when falling. A total of 79 adults from seven different workplaces in Sweden, mean age 45 years (18–68), participated in the program. The study was conducted from May 2018 to June 2019. The 10-week exercise program performed in a workplace setting improved physical and psychological functions, as well as techniques for falling safely, factors of great importance to prevent falls and fall-related injuries among men and women. Therefore, it is suggested that the judo-inspired exercise program may be an effective tool in the quest to promote health and prevention of risk factors for falls and fall-related injuries among those of working age.

Effectiveness of a self-managed digital exercise programme to prevent falls in older community-dwelling adults: study protocol for the Safe Step randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Exercise interventions have a strong evidence base for falls prevention. However, exercise can be challenging to implement and often has limited reach and poor adherence. Digital technology provides opportunities for both increased access to the intervention and support over time. Further knowledge needs to be gained regarding the effectiveness of completely self-managed digital exercise interventions. The main objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a self-managed digital exercise programme, Safe Step, in combination with monthly educational videos with educational videos alone, on falls over 1 year in older community-dwelling adults.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial will be conducted with at least 1400 community-living older adults (70+ years) who experience impaired balance. Participants will be recruited throughout Sweden with enrolment through the project website. They will be randomly allocated to either the Safe Step exercise programme with additional monthly educational videos about healthy ageing and fall prevention, or the monthly education videos alone. Participants receiving the exercise intervention will be asked to exercise at home for at least 30 min, 3 times/week with support of the Safe Step application. The primary outcome will be rate of falls (fall per person year). Participants will keep a fall calendar and report falls at the end of each month through a digital questionnaire. Further assessments of secondary outcomes will be made through self-reported questionnaires and a self-test of 30 s chair stand test at baseline and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after study start. Data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained by The Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå (Dnr 2018/433-31). Findings will be disseminated through the project web-site, peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences and through senior citizen organisations' newsletters.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03963570.

Identification and management of frailty in English primary care: a qualitative study of national policy

Background

Policymakers are directing attention to addressing the needs of an ageing population. Since 2017, general practices in England have been contractually required to identify and code ‘frailty’ as a new clinical concept and, in doing so, support targeted management for this population with the aim of improving outcomes. However, embedding frailty policies into routine practice is not without challenges and little is currently known about the success of the programme.

Aim

To explore the implementation of a national policy on frailty identification and management in English primary care.

Design & setting

Qualitative study entailing interviews with primary care professionals in the North of England.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs (n = 10), nurses (n = 6), practice managers (n = 3), and health advisors (n = 3). Normalisation process theory (NPT) and ‘system thinking’ provided sensitising frameworks to support data collection and analysis.

Results

Primary care professionals were starting to use the concept of frailty to structure care within practices and across organisations; however, there was widespread concern about the challenge of providing expanded care for the identified needs with existing resources. Concerns were also expressed around how best to identify the frail subpopulation and the limitations of current tools for this, and there was a professional reticence to use the term ‘frailty’ with patients.

Conclusion

Findings suggests that additional, focused resources and the development of a stronger evidence base are essential to facilitate professional engagement in policies to improve the targeted coding and management of frailty in primary care.

Physio-Feedback and Exercise Program (PEER) Improves Balance, Muscle Strength, and Fall Risk in Older Adults

A one-group pre/posttest study was conducted to examine the feasibility and effect size of an 8-week physio-feedback and exercise program (PEER) on improving balance, muscle strength, and fall risk. Nineteen participants (mean age = 76 years) received the intervention, which included visual physio-feedback by the BTrackS™ Assess Balance System, cognitive reframing, and a combined group- and home-based exercise program by a trained peer coach. Pre- and post-measurement outcomes were evaluated for balance, handgrip strength, and fall risk. Feasibility was assessed by dropout rate, safety, and adherence to exercise. Significant improvements were noted in dynamic balance (Sit-to-Stand, Timed Up & Go tests), handgrip strength, and fall risk. Participants' attendance was 87.5%, with no fall incidence. The physio-feedback, cognitive reframing, and peer coaching facilitate older adults to align their perceived fall risk with physiological fall risk and motivate them to stay active. PEER intervention is feasible; safe; improves balance, muscle strength, and fall risk; and may enhance activity engagement.

TARGETS

Community-dwelling older adults.

INTERVENTION DESCRIPTION

Provide visual physio-feedback and cognitive reframing based on the fall risk appraisal matrix and participate in combined group- and home-based exercises by a trained peer coach.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Align perceived and physiological fall risk, peer coaching to exercise.

OUTCOMES

Balance, handgrip strength, fall risk, and activity engagement. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(6), 289-296.].

Physical Activity and Falls Among a National Cohort of Older Veterans

The more than 20 million U.S. veterans have a history of physical activity engagement but face increasing disability as they age. Falls are common among older adults, but there is little evidence on veterans' fall risk. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using 48,643 observations from 14,831 older (≥65 years) Americans from the 2006-2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Veterans reported more noninjurious falls (26.6% vs. 24.0%, p < .002), but fewer fall-related injuries (8.9% vs. 12.3%, p < .001) than nonveterans. In adjusted analyses, for each 5-year increase in age, the odds of a noninjurious fall were greater for veterans (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.01, 1.10]) and, among those with regular physical activity, the odds were lower for veterans compared with nonveterans (OR = 0.89; 95% CI = [0.81, 0.99]). For veterans, physical activity engagement may prove a particularly effective mechanism for reducing the aging-related risks associated with falls and fall injuries.

Biomechanical mechanism of Tai-Chi gait for preventing falls: A pilot study

Tai-Chi (TC) practice has been increasingly used to prevent falls in older adults. However, the biomechanical mechanisms underlying the effects of TC practice on fall risk among older adults remain unanswered. The objective of this pilot study was to examine how TC gait biomechanically impacts the human body in terms of dynamic gait stability and lower limb muscle strength in comparison with regular walking gait. Ten healthy adults performed five trials of TC gait following three to seven trials of regular walking. Full body kinematics and kinetics were collected, and then dynamic gait stability and lower limb joint moments were determined. During TC gait, individuals were less stable, moved more slowly and experienced a larger mediolateral movement in comparison with regular walking gait. The peak moment at the ankle joint on the sagittal and transverse planes, at the knee joint on all three planes, and at the hip joint on the frontal plane was significantly different when performing TC gait than during regular gait. The results indicate that TC gait challenges body balance and requires more muscle strength of the lower limb joints compared to regular walking gait. To cope with these challenges, the body could develop neuromuscular control strategies to maintain body balance and thus reduce the risk of falls. The findings and methodology in this study could provide preliminary guidance for identifying optimal TC forms in order to maximize the effects of TC-based fall prevention interventions among various populations with elevated risk of falls.

Influence of combined vitamin D3 supplementation and resistance exercise training on musculoskeletal health in older men and women (EXVITD): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is a progressive loss in muscle mass, strength and function, the adverse consequences of which are severe, affecting quality of life and placing an increasing burden on social and healthcare systems. Vitamin D status is known to be associated with markers of sarcopenia, namely muscle mass, strength and function. Also, resistance exercise training (RET) is currently the only proven intervention to treat sarcopenia. However, very little data exist on the influence of combining the two interventions of vitamin D supplementation and resistance exercise training, although a recent systematic review provides tentative support for the current study's hypothesis that the combined intervention may further improve musculoskeletal function above exercise training alone. The aim of the present study is to determine whether vitamin D3 supplementation is any more effective in improving musculoskeletal function when combined with RET compared with exercise training alone in older adults.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This double-blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial will recruit a target of 127 eligible men and women aged ≥65 years living independently or in sheltered housing within the Birmingham area to two groups: (1) 6 months RET and placebo or (2) 6 months RET and 800 IU/d vitamin D3. Measures of muscle power (Nottingham Power Rig), body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), muscle function (short physical performance battery, timed up and go), falls and fractures as events will be assessed. Assessments will take place at baseline and postintervention, with intermittent monitoring of bone turnover, calcium and vitamin D. The primary outcome will be lower limb extensor power output. Analyses of within-group changes and between-group differences in outcome measures are planned.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The EXVITD study has ethical approval granted by the Black Country National Health Service Research Ethics Committee (14/WM/1220). Results of this trial will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. The study is being conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.Trial registration numberNCT02467153; Post-results.

A multi-centre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of eurythmy therapy and tai chi in comparison with standard care in chronically ill elderly patients with increased risk of falling (ENTAiER): a trial protocol

BACKGROUND

In elderly poeple, multimorbidity and polypharmacy increase while sensory, motor and cognitive functions decrease. Falls occur in 30% of people aged 65 years and older at least once per year, with injuries at 10-20%. Reducing falls and enhancing physical, emotional and cognitive capacities are essential for healthy aging despite chronic disease. Eurythmy therapy (EYT) and Tai Chi train balance, mobility and concentrative and sensory capacities.

METHODS

In eight trial sites (academic or community hospitals), 550 outpatients aged 65 years and older with chronic disease and increased risk of falling (history of imbalance, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score ≤ 49) will be randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive either EYT or Tai Chi (each provided in one-hour group sessions, twice, later once per week plus practice at home, for over 24 weeks) added to standard care or standard care alone. Standard care includes a detailed written recommendation on fall prevention and the visit of a primary care doctor. Seniors living a reclusive life or economically disadvantaged elderly will be particularly addressed. A motivation and communication concept supports the trial participants' compliance with trial procedures and practicing. Public and patient representatives are involved in the planning and conduction of the trial. Falls will be documented daily in a diary by the participants. These falls as well as injuries and complications will be ascertained during monthly phone visits. The falls efficacy scale, BBS, cognition (MoCA), Mood (GDS-15), quality of life (SF12), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), use of medical and non-medical services (FIMA) and adherence will be assessed at months 3, 6, and 12 and inner correspondence with practices (ICPH) at month 6. The trial is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF 01GL1805).

DISCUSSION

This study will determine whether EYT and Tai Chi reduce falls, injurious falls, fear of falling and healthcare utilisation and improve mobility, cognition, mood, quality of life and functional independence. A reduction of fall risk and fear of falling and an improvement of mobility, autonomy, quality of life, mood, and cognition are highly relevant for older people to cope with aging and diseases and to reduce healthcare costs. TRAIL REGISTRATION: www.drks.de. DRKS00016609. Registered 30th July 2019.