title: Evaluation of the Frails' Fall Efficacy by Comparing Treatments (EFFECT) on reducing fall and fear of fall in moderately frail older adults: study protocol for a randomised control trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Falls are common in frail older adults and often result in injuries and hospitalisation. The Nintendo® Wii™ is an easily available exercise modality in the community which has been shown to improve lower limb strength and balance. However, not much is known on the effectiveness of the Nintendo® Wii™ to improve fall efficacy and reduce falls in a moderately frail older adult. Fall efficacy is the measure of fear of falling in performing various daily activities. Fear contributes to avoidance of activities and functional decline.
  
  
  METHODS
  This randomised active-control trial is a comparison between the Nintendo WiiActive programme against standard gym-based rehabilitation of the older population. Eighty subjects aged above 60, fallers and non-fallers, will be recruited from the hospital outpatient clinic. The primary outcome measure is the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale and the secondary outcome measures are self-reported falls, quadriceps strength, walking agility, dynamic balance and quality of life assessments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study is the first randomised control trial using the Nintendo Wii as a rehabilitation modality investigating a change in fall efficacy and self-reported falls. Longitudinally, the study will investigate if the interventions can successfully reduce falls and analyse the cost-effectiveness of the programme.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore. kwok.boon.chong@sgh.com.sg
authors.forename: Boon Chong
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Kwok
authors.forename: Kaysar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mamun
authors.forename: Manju
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chandran
authors.forename: Chek Hooi
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000191:economics; D005239:Fear; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000523:psychology*; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D004856:Postural Balance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D057566:Self Report; D012846:Singapore; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018910:Video Games / Q000191:economics; D016138:Walking