Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Integrated Fall Prevention Program in the Korean Elderly

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of integrated fall prevention program comprised of exercise program to improve physical function, education of fall prevention strategy and environmental improvement in elderly Korean. METHOD: Elderly who were at high risk for fall participated in 8-week integrated fall prevention program. Outcome measures including fall efficacy scale (FES), activity-specific balance confidence (ABC), flexibility test, balance function test, short physical performance battery (SPPB) and isokinetic knee strength were evaluated and compared before and after the program. One year after the program, fall experience and frequency, FES and ABC were followed up by mail questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 63 participants enrolled at the baseline, 43 completed the program. Flexibility, balance function and SPPB improved significantly whereas FES, ABC, anthropometric measure data and knee strength were not changed. One year after the program, the number of fallers decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Integrated fall prevention program may improve flexibility and balance function, and can reduce the risk of fall in the elderly population.