Factors affecting sample selection in a randomized trial of balance enhancement: the FICSIT Study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine demographic, functional, and health-related factors that may have influenced the selection of older adults for a randomized trial of balance enhancement.


METHODS
Comparison of participants with nonparticipants at various stages of the recruiting process.


METHODS
Northeastern suburban community.


METHODS
Registered voters aged 75 and older (n = 7191).


METHODS
Demographic, health-related, functional, balance, gait, and falling characteristics.


RESULTS
The overall participation rate in the randomized trial was 1.5%. Compared with nonparticipants, participants were significantly more likely to be male, married, living with others, living in a house, highly educated, healthy, and physically active.


CONCLUSIONS
Recruiting older subjects by mail to studies of rigorous interventions can produce significant selection biases that may limit the population to which results can be generalized.
Pacala
J T
JT
Program in Geriatrics, Department of Family Practice and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
Judge
J O
JO
Boult
C
C
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003237:Connecticut; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D004856:Postural Balance; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D013383:Suburban Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*