Effects of a Community-based Fall Prevention Exercise Program on Activity Participation

J Phys Ther Sci. 2014 May;26(5):651-3. doi: 10.1589/jpts.26.651. Epub 2014 May 29.

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the effects of a fall-prevention exercise program on the participation and static balance of elderly persons in daily life roles. [Subjects] Ten participants over 65 years of age (75.29±2.93) who were healthy community-dwellers (two men and eight women) were recruited. [Methods] The participants exercised three times a week for eight weeks. The exercise program was based on the fitness and mobility exercise (FAME) protocol. The outcome measures were changes in activity participation level and the fall index. [Results] After the exercise, the activity participation level significantly increased, and the fall index significantly decreased. [Conclusion] A fall prevention exercise program can have a positive effect on participation and static balance in older adults.

Keywords: Exercise; Fall; Participation.