Impact of a community-based falls prevention program on maintenance of physical activity among older adults.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the 9-month impact of a 12-week falls prevention program (called Stand Up!) which included balance exercises and educational components on maintenance of physical activity among community-dwelling seniors.


METHODS
Data were collected among 98 experimental and 102 control participants at baseline, immediately after the program and 9 months later. Involvement in physical activity was measured with three indicators. Program effects were examined using linear and logistic regression procedures.


RESULTS
Both groups showed similar increases in weekly frequency of exercise at the 9-month posttest. However, the program's participants showed higher increases in their variety of exercises at the 9-month posttest (especially among those with greater baseline scores). Among seniors reporting lower levels of energy expenditure at baseline, the program's participants showed significantly greater increases in energy expenditure than control participants.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary findings suggest that programs such as Stand Up! have the potential to stimulate continued involvement in physical activity.
Laforest
Sophie
S
Department of Kinesiology, and [Interdisciplinary Research Group on Health], Université de Montréal, and CSSS Cavendish, Canada Montreal Public Health Department, Agence de santé et de services sociaux, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Pelletier
Anne
A
Gauvin
Lise
L
Robitaille
Yvonne
Y
Fournier
Michel
M
Corriveau
Hélène
H
Filiatrault
Johanne
J