The immediate and lasting balance outcomes of clinical falls-prevention programs: a non-randomised study

Purpose Exercise-based falls-prevention programs are cost-effective population-based approaches to reduce the risk of falling for older adults. The aim was to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of three existing falls-prevention programs. Methods A non-randomized study design was used to compare the immediate-post and long-term physical outcome measures for three falls prevention programs; one high-level land-based program, one low-level land-based program and a water-based Ai Chi program. Timed-up- and-go (TUG), five-times sit-to-stand (5xSTS), six-minute walk test (6MWT) and six-meter walk test were assessed at baseline, post-program, and at six-months follow-up. Linear mixed models were used to analyze between- and within- group differences, with the high-level land-based program used as the comparator. Results Thirty-two participants completed post-program assessment and 26 returned for follow-up. There was a difference in the age (years) of participants between programs (p = 0.049). The intercept for TUG and six-meter walk test time was 47.70% (23.37, 76.83) and 32.31s (10.52, 58.41), slower for the low-level group and 40.49% (17.35, 69.89) and 36.34s (12.75, 64.87), slower for the Ai Chi group (p < 0.01), compared with the high-level group. Mean time taken to complete the TUG was less both immediately post-program and at 6-month follow-up (p = 0.05). Walking speed for the six-meter walk test was only faster at six-months (p < 0.05). The 5xSTS duration was significantly reduced only at post-intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion These results indicate land-based and water-based falls-prevention programs improve physical outcome measures associated with falls-risk and many improvements are maintained for six months after the completion of the program.