Effects of an Evidence-Based Falls-Risk Reduction Program on Physical Activity and Falls Efficacy among Oldest-Old Adults

Background. As the oldest-old American population (i.e., aged 85+ years) continues to grow, additional efforts are needed to address falls among this high-risk age group. While fall prevention programs are widely disseminated, less is known about the effectiveness of such interventions among the oldest-old. This study examines changes in physical activity and falls efficacy among oldest-old participants enrolled in A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader model (AMOB/VLL), a falls-risk reduction program. Methods. We included 260 participants aged 85 years and older enrolled in the Texas AMOB/VLL between September 2007 and April 2009. Changes in Falls Efficacy Scale scores and weekly physical activity levels were examined from baseline to post-intervention. Repeated measures ANCOVA were employed to assess program effects on falls efficacy. Results . Falls Efficacy Scale scores increased from baseline to post-intervention (β=1.98, p<0.001). On average, Falls Efficacy Scale scores were higher among those who increased their physical activity (improvement group) relative to those who did not improve (no-improvement group) (β=1.32, p<0.05). Furthermore, increases in Falls Efficacy Scale scores among the physical activity improvement group from baseline to post-intervention were significantly higher than increases among the no-improvement group (β=1.43, p<0.05). Conclusion. Findings from this study support the effectiveness of evidence-based programs for reducing falls efficacy in oldest-old participants. Examining the effectiveness of AMOB/VLL for oldest-old participants can enable public health professionals to meet the health demands of an aging society. Translational research about dissemination and implementation of evidence-based programs is recommended to enhance intervention strategies for the oldest-old population.