Fall Prevention and Quality of Life in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Vaapio Sari, Salminen Marika, Vahlberg Tero, Sjösten Noora, Isoaho Raimo, Aarnio Pertti, Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa
Primary Institution: University of Turku
Hypothesis
The study aimed to assess the effects of a risk-based, multifactorial fall prevention programme on health-related quality of life among community-dwelling older adults who had fallen at least once in the previous year.
Conclusion
Fall prevention produced positive effects on some dimensions of health-related quality of life in the community-dwelling aged, with men benefiting more than women.
Supporting Evidence
- Men showed significant improvements in depression and distress.
- Women showed significant improvements in usual activities and discomfort/symptoms.
- The intervention was tailored to individual risk factors and included various activities.
Takeaway
This study shows that helping older people prevent falls can make them feel better in many ways, especially for men.
Methodology
The study was a randomized controlled trial with a 12-month intervention including geriatric assessments, exercise, and psychosocial activities.
Potential Biases
Potential contamination of the control group and dropout rates may introduce bias.
Limitations
The results may not be generalizable to all older adults as the study focused on those who had previously fallen.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 65 years or older, with a majority being female (84%) and living at home (96%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.005 for usual activities in women, p = 0.017 for depression in men, p = 0.029 for distress in men.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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