Impact of a home-based exercise intervention on falls, fall-related injuries and economic costs among seniors living in rural and urban areas in Saskatchewan

Abstract

Unintentional falls are one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among frail older adults.  The consequences of falls include considerable physical, psychological, and economic costs.  Recent analysis of the economic burden of falls in Canada is estimated to be $3.6 billion annually.  While a majority of the community-based falls prevention programs have been shown to reduce falls and falls-related injuries, there is a need for exploring this issue among frail, largely home-bound older adults.  The higher incidence of falls coupled with a higher number of individuals at risk for poor physical function among this group make it critical to explore this issue within the proposed context.  Thus, the purpose of the study will be to examine the impact of a home-based exercise program on functional capacity, falls, fall-related injuries and costs among seniors living in rural and urban areas.  For the purpose of the present study, 164 individuals over 65 years of age will be recruited through a rural and urban health regions.  The participants will preform the Home Support Exercise Program developed by the Canadian Centre ffor Activity and Aging for six months.  The participnts background information, status on health, function, nutrition, and falls will be assessed and compared at baseline, at 6 months and again at 12 months.  A 12 month time frame is proposed to use fall incidences as a primary study outcome.  Additional outcomes will be changes in functional capacity - strength, balance, flexibility; all very important in reducing falls.

Research Team

Shanthi Johnson (Principal Investigator)