Feasibility study by a single-blind randomized controlled trial of self-management of mobility with a gait-speed feedback device by older persons at risk for falling.
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.
['Schoon|Yvonne|Y|', 'Bongers|Kim T J|KTJ|', 'Olde Rikkert|Marcel G M|MGM|']
D000058:Accidental Falls D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D005240:Feasibility Studies D005260:Female D000068156:Formative Feedback D006707:Homes for the Aged D006801:Humans D057187:Independent Living D008297:Male D010865:Pilot Projects D012656:Self-Help Devices D000073278:Self-Management D016037:Single-Blind Method D000072797:Walking Speed
falls prevention home for the aged community-dwelling older persons telemonitoring