Falls, Physical Performance, Fear of Falling
Conditions
Keywords
whole body vibration, physical functioning, falls, older people, prevention
Brief summary
The purpose of this randomised (double-blind) controlled exercise intervention trial is to determine whether the whole body vibration (WBV) training can effectively improve physical functioning of older people living in or regularly using services of sheltered housing, reduce their fear of falling, and prevent falling. The study comprises a 10-week training period and a 10-month follow-up period.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALWhole body vibration training
The intervention comprises a 10-week individually supervised, progressive WBV training done twice a week on a side-alternating device with simultaneous body transferring and slight squatting exercises. At the week one, the duration of a single training bout is 1 x 1 min, and the number of 1 min bouts is weekly increased by one until five bouts is reached. During weeks 4 - 10, the training comprises 5 x 1 min bouts with 1 min rest periods between. During weeks 1 to 3, vibration frequencies are 12 and 18 Hz, which are used alternately. Thereafter, also 26 Hz may be used instead of 18 Hz. In addition, the amplitude of vibration is increased progressively according to a specified protocol. A detailed training diary is kept.
BEHAVIORALWellness group
The intervention comprises a 10-week supervised group training done once a week with the focus on stretching and flexibility exercises done mostly in a sitting position. The duration of a single training session is 45 minutes. A training diary is kept.
Sponsors
Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland
Pirkanmaa Hospital District
UKK Institute
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* lives in sheltered housing or uses regularly services provided by sheltered housing * ambulatory, able to walk independently with or without a walking aid * Mini Mental State Examination (MSSE) points 16 or more
Exclusion criteria
* knee or hip prosthesis * osteosynthetic material in lower limbs * stiffening operation of the spinal column * cardiac pacemaker * recent fracture (\< 1 yr for lower limb or spinal fractures, \< ½ yr for upper limb fractures) * recent major surgical operation * acute thrombosis or its high risk * acute musculoskeletal inflammation * gall or bladder stones * problematic hernia * unstable cardiovascular or other systematic disease * tumor * diabetic neuropathy * strong vertigo
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of falls | One year | Participants keep fall diaries on daily basis and mail the diaries to the investigators in every month. In case of a reported fall, the investigator contacts the participant and enquires the details of the fall. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Physical functioning | 10 weeks and one year | The standard Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is used for the assessment of participant's balance, walking speed and chair rising time at the baseline, after the 10 week training and after the subsequent 10 month follow-up.In addition, 4-m maximal walking speed , Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and grip strength are assessed at the same time points. |
| Fear of falling | 10 weeks and one year | The Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I)is used for the assessment of perceived fear of falling at the baseline, after 10 week training and after the subsequent 10-month follow-up. |
Countries
Finland
Outcome results
None listed