Evaluation of a Program for Preventing Falls in Community Dwelling Elderly People: Indications for Low-Frequency Programs

Abstract

We studied the effectiveness of an intervention program for preventing falls in 385 elderly people who participated in an exercise class aimed at preventing falls and fractures, and examined the factors effective in fall prevention. Intervention twice weekly for 6 months resulted in a significant decline in Geriatric Depression Scale (short form) scores, and a significant improvement in the time taken to stand up and to walk 6 meters. A significant decrease in the number of falls was observed in association with the following factors: age ≥70 years, lower back pain, use of ≥3 drugs, experience of falls, ≥3 risk factors for falling, and a score of ≤29 on the Fall Efficacy Scale. Low-frequency intervention can be effective for maintaining and improving the physical functioning of elderly people in the community. Consideration of the factors causing the elderly to fall is important.