Citation

Schoon Y, Bongers KTJ, Olde Rikkert MGM. Assist. Technol. 2018; ePub(ePub): 1-7.

Affiliation

Department of Geriatric Medicine (925) , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10400435.2018.1529004

PMID

30373502

Abstract

This single-blind randomized pilot study explored feasibility and safety of a self-management fall prevention program, hypothesizing that older persons can comply with this program, while it does not result in more (injurious) falls, or a decrease in mental wellbeing as an adverse effect of being focused on falls prevention. Eighty-six persons, community-dwelling or home for the aged (mean age 80.3 years [SD: 6.3], 56 women (65.1%)) participated. The intervention group measured their gait speed by using the Mobility Feedback Device (MFD) weekly for 6 months. The control group was monitored for the outcomes without an intervention. Change scores involving health perception and mental wellbeing (Medical Outcomes Study 20-item short form (MOS-20)) were compared between groups. Feasibility was assessed by drop-out rate and compliance to measure gait speed. Safety was assessed by fall incidence during follow-up. MOS-20 decreased significantly in the control group (p = 0.024) but remained stable in the intervention group. Drop-out rate was low (9.3%), and compliance was good. Fall incidence was the same for both groups (p = 0.155). The self-management fall prevention program is feasible and safe in a community-dwelling and home for the aged population, making it worthwhile to further explore self-management fall-prevention studies.

Language: en

Keywords

community-dwelling older persons; falls; home for the aged; prevention; telemonitoring