A randomized, controlled trial of a group intervention to reduce fear of falling and associated activity restriction in older adults.
A randomized, single-blind controlled trial was conducted to test the efficacy of a community-based group intervention to reduce fear of falling and associated restrictions in activity levels among older adults. A sample of 434 persons age 60+ years, who reported fear of falling and associated activity restriction, was recruited from 40 senior housing sites in the Boston metropolitan area. Data were collected at baseline, and at 6-week, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. Compared with contact control subjects, intervention subjects reported increased levels of intended activity (p < .05) and greater mobility control (p < .05) immediately after the intervention. Effects at 12 months included improved social function (p < .05) and mobility range (p < .05). The intervention had immediate but modest beneficial effects that diminished over time in the setting with no booster intervention.
Tennstedt
S
S
New England Research Institutes, Watertown, Massachusetts, USA. sharont@neri.org
Howland
J
J
Lachman
M
M
Peterson
E
E
Kasten
L
L
Jette
A
A
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001900:Boston; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006126:Group Processes; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012449:Safety; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012917:Social Adjustment