Attempts to prevent falls and injury: a prospective community study.
At 16 senior centers, we studied the effectiveness of exercise and cognitive-behavioral programs, compared with a discussion control program, in reducing falls and injuries among 230 older adults. After 1 year of the programs, we observed no significant difference in time to first fall. Even though a relatively high percentage (38.6%) suffered at least one fall, only 7.8% of these community-residing elderly required medical attention. Secondary outcome measures such as strength, balance, fear of falling, and perceived health did not significantly change.
Reinsch
S
S
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange 92613-1491.
MacRae
P
P
Lachenbruch
P A
PA
Tobis
J S
JS
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003071:Cognition; D003153:Community Health Services; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*