TY - JOUR PY - 2009// TI - Impact of a Community-Based Falls Prevention Program on Maintenance of Physical Activity Among Older Adults JO - Journal of aging and health A1 - Laforest, Sophie A1 - Pelletier, Anne A1 - Gauvin, Lise A1 - Robitaille, Yvonne A1 - Fournier, Michel A1 - Corriveau, H A1 - Filiatrault, Johanne SP - 480 EP - 500 VL - 21 IS - 3 N2 - Objective: This study examines the 9-month impact of a 12-week falls prevention program (called Stand Up!) which included balance exercises and educational components on maintenance of physical activity among community-dwelling seniors. Method: Data were collected among 98 experimental and 102 control participants at baseline, immediately after the program and 9 months later. Involvement in physical activity was measured with three indicators. Program effects were examined using linear and logistic regression procedures. Results: Both groups showed similar increases in weekly frequency of exercise at the 9-month posttest. However, the program's participants showed higher increases in their variety of exercises at the 9-month posttest (especially among those with greater baseline scores). Among seniors reporting lower levels of energy expenditure at baseline, the program's participants showed significantly greater increases in energy expenditure than control participants. Discussion: These preliminary findings suggest that programs such as Stand Up! have the potential to stimulate continued involvement in physical activity.

LA - SN - 0898-2643 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0898264308328988 ID - ref1 ER -