Abstract
Purpose : The present study evaluates the effects of a musical exercise program developed for fall prevention among community-dwelling elderly. In addition, we examined whether relationships exist among changes in physical function after the intervention period, changes in the level of fall-related self-efficacy, and the frequency of falls. Methods : Forty-five elderly people, mean age 75.6 years (SD 7.4 years), participated in a weekly 60-minute musical exercise program for 3 months. At the start of the intervention and immediately after the intervention period, nurses measured the participants' physical functions, and a self-reporting survey assessed fall-related self-efficacy (F-SE), confidence in physical exercise, experience of falls, and other fall-related factors. Results : Comparison of pre- and post-intervention data showed that 5 items related to physical functions, F-SE level, and confidence in physical exercise significantly improved after the intervention. In addition, the frequency of falls decreased. Changes in physical function were found to be positively correlated with changes in F-SE level concerning "getting dressed and undressed" and "getting out of bed." Positive changes in the level of fall prevention self-efficacy concerning "walking in dim light," "carrying things with both hands," "simple shopping," and "light housekeeping" were found to be related to reduced frequency of falls. Conclusions : These findings indicate that the musical exercise program positively contributed to the maintenance and improvement of physical functions and F-SE, and to a reduction in falls among the elderly. This suggests that supporting the elderly to acquire self-efficacy concerning walking and moving should be effective for fall prevention.
