Effect of guided relaxation and imagery on falls self-efficacy: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of guided relaxation and imagery (GRI) on improvement in falls self-efficacy in older adults who report having a fear of falling.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled trial with allocation to GRI or guided relaxation with music of choice.


METHODS
General community.


METHODS
Ninety-one men and women aged 60 to 92.


METHODS
Participants were randomized to listen to a GRI audio compact disk (intervention group) or a guided relaxation audio compact disk and music of choice (control group) twice a week for 6 weeks for 10 minutes per session.


METHODS
Primary outcome measure was the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Secondary outcome measures were the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) mobility test.


RESULTS
GRI participants reported greater improvements on the Short FES-I (P = .002) and LTEQ (P = .001) scores and shorter time on the TUG (P = .002) than the guided relaxation and music-of-choice group.


CONCLUSIONS
GRI was more effective at increasing falls self-efficacy and self-reported leisure time exercise and reducing times on a simple mobility test than was guided relaxation with music of choice. GRI is an effective, simple, low-cost tool for older adults to improve falls self-efficacy and leisure time exercise behaviors.
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. bangk@upenn.edu
Bang Hyun
BH
Kim
Roberta A
RA
Newton
Michael L
ML
Sachs
Joseph J
JJ
Glutting
Karen
K
Glanz
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009146:Music; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome