“Walking Buddies, seniors and students”: A pilot program to increase physical activity and reduce fall risk and consequential traumatic brain injury

Description of Development: “Walking Buddies” (WB) is an exercise-based fall prevention and health promotion intervention pilot project. The aim of this project is to develop, implement and examine a generalizable, community-integrated educational exercise program. The purpose of this program is to promote unintentional fall-related injury prevention through community outreach, physical activity, education and social support. The framework of this study is based upon Social Cognitive Theory. Self-efficacy was examined among seniors who participated in the WB project. The presence of a walking buddy, confidence in their physical ability to walk, and provision of information about fall prevention and unintentional injury including traumatic brain injury (TBI) were also considered. Implementation: B.S. in Public Health students at the University of North Florida were selected to participate in the WB project and were required to complete TBI and fall prevention training. Seniors were selected thorough convenience sampling to participate in the WB pilot project. Students distributed fall prevention information to their senior walking buddies and walked with them once a week for a period of eight weeks. Evaluation: Qualitative and quantitative data was collected weekly using pre and post tests, walking logs, duration of walks, number of steps taken per walking session, and self- reported questionnaires. Results of the analysis indicate that seniors who participated in the WB pilot project increased their number of steps, duration, and knowledge about fall risk, prevention, and TBI. Results of the analysis also indicate intergenerational relationships were fostered during the eight week program.