Effectiveness of a video-based exercise programme to reduce falls and improve health-related quality of life among older adults discharged from hospital: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
Falls, loss of health-related quality of life and physical capacity, reduced participation in activities of daily living, and increased fear of falling are all potential outcomes for older adults discharged from hospital. A low-cost video based exercise programme may address this.


METHODS
This study was a randomized controlled trial with blinded outcomes assessment and a six-month follow-up.


METHODS
Participants were older adults (>65 years) using a mobility aid discharged from a tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Australia, without referral for community-based rehabilitation services.


METHODS
A digital video disk-based programme encompassing six exercise types each with six levels of difficulty. A home visit from a project physiotherapist was conducted to ensure patient safety. Control group patients received usual care.


METHODS
Falls, health-related quality of life, participation in activities of daily living, physical capacity and fear of falling.


RESULTS
Study participants (n = 53, 19 intervention, 34 control) experienced decreasing health-related quality of life, several falls (72), and lower levels of participation in activities of daily living over the six-month follow-up. The intervention group did not differ significantly from the control group in terms of the outcomes examined, though a non-significant reduction in the rate of falls was observed. Intervention group participants complied with the exercise programme well during the first two weeks following discharge from hospital but then reduced their compliance levels thereafter.


CONCLUSIONS
The intervention may be beneficial for reducing the rate of falls in this patient population though further research with a larger sample size is indicated.
Haines
Terry P
TP
Physiotherapy Department, Allied Health Research Unit, Southern Physiotherapy School, Monash University, Cnr Warrigal and Kingston Roads, Cheltenham, Victoria 3192, Australia. terrence.haines@med.monash.edu.au
Russell
Trevor
T
Brauer
Sandra G
SG
Erwin
Sheree
S
Lane
Paul
P
Urry
Stephen
S
Jasiewicz
Jan
J
Condie
Peter
P
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D014742:Videodisc Recording