None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Falls are a leading cause of disability among older adults. Physical activity has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of falls in elderly. However, elderly group are not regularly engaged in physical activity. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise intervention using an exercise park in reducing the risk of falls, improving strength and balance in the elderly. In addition, this research project will evaluate what other benefits, including psychological and psychosocial, can be achieved by using such exercise park. This project also aims to examine how this kind of intervention will be perceived in the community and if potential benefits can be identified, which could then help to determine whether such intervention is appropriate for further testing. This project will be run in collaboration with several community partner organisations in the Western Suburbs including Gateway Social Support Options and Catholic Homes. Sixty older people living in the community aged between 60 and 90 years who have had one fall in the previous 12 months or that are concerned they might fall will be recruited (older people with mild falls risk). Participants will be randomised in two groups: exercise park intervention group and a control group and will undergo a series of physical/physiological tests as well as complete some psychological and psychosocial questionnaires. Tests will be performed at baseline, after 18 weeks and then again after 2 months (26 weeks) for both groups. Participants will be followed up for 12 months via Falls and Physical Activity Calendars. Participants in the intervention group will have 2-3 sessions per week of 1-1.5 hours duration each session) for 18 weeks. Control group will continue with their normal activities for the same period. At the end of this study, the participants will be able to monitor their susceptibility to falls based on the result of the tests used in this study. Additionally, it is expected that, by the experience of working with this population group, some factors which can influence the exercise uptake and its compliance by the elderly may be identified. Furthermore, the research findings may offer some guidance on future investments local councils may make towards this population group.
Interventions
Exercise Park Intervention Group (EPIG)
Participants from the EPIG will undergo an 18 weeks exercise intervention. The exercise sessions will be provided 2-3 times a week (each class approximately 1 to 1.5 hours duration) and it will be supervised by a qualified physiotherapist or an accredited exercise physiologist.
The exercise classes will include 6-8 participants and will be circuit-based with the warm up and cool down exercises being performed in a group and the core session being carried
Exercise Park Intervention Group (EPIG) Participants from the EPIG will undergo an 18 weeks exercise intervention. The exercise sessions will be provided 2-3 times a week (each class approximately 1 to 1.5 hours duration) and it will be supervised by a qualified physiotherapist or an accredited exercise physiologist. The exercise classes will include 6-8 participants and will be circuit-based with the warm up and cool down exercises being performed in a group and the core session being carried out in training pairs. Participants will be performing a series of exercises such as sit to stand, calf raises+climbing finger steps, climbing stairs, walking up and down a ramp, walking on a balance beam, balancing on a gangway, taps on a platform, etc. To measure the intensity of the exercises, we will be using 10-point Rate of Perceived Effort (RPE) Scale. Participants will be encouraged to progress the exercises to the next level if they rate the exercise intensity below 4/10. We will encourage them to exercise with a RPE between 4 and 7/10. Participants from EPIG will be tested at the following timelines: at baseline, after 18 weeks and after 2 months.
Sponsors
Victoria University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
60 Years to 90 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Participants who have had one fall in the previous 12 months or are concerned about having a fall will be recruited. Participants who are generally active and independent in the community with no more than a single point stick used for regular outdoors walking (at least 3 times per week) will be included.
Exclusion criteria
Older adults will be excluded from this study if they have: a) any uncontrolled non-musculoskeletal conditions that would make testing difficult and uncomfortable, such as chronic obstructive airways disease and congestive heart failure; b) a pre-existing neurological or orthopaedic condition that affects lower limb strength (e.g.: polio, stroke); c) Any of the following foot conditions: partial foot amputation or ulceration or food fractures; d) Any musculoskeletal conditions that may affect the ambulation (rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc). Participants with any documented medical condition or physical impairment that is judged by the medical practitioner to contraindicate their inclusion will be excluded. Older people with some medical history but controlled conditions will not need medical clearance to participate in this study. Participants with heart problems will be required to get a medical clearance for their GP in order to participate in this study.
Outcome results
None listed