Effects of risk-based multifactorial fall prevention on postural balance in the community-dwelling aged: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract: the purpose of the study was to assess the effects of 12-month risk-based multifactorial fall prevention program on postural control of the aged. Five hundred and ninety-one (97%) eligible subjects were randomized into an intervention group (IG) (n =293) and a control group (CG) (n =298). The effects of the program were measured on standing, dynamic, and functional balance. In standing balance, the velocity moment of semi-tandem standing decreased in IG (median change -0.54mm.sup.2/s) but increased in CG (+3.84mm.sup.2/s) among all women (p =0.011) and among the women aged 65-74 years (-1.65mm.sup.2/s and +2.80mm.sup.2/s, correspondingly) (p =0.008). In a dynamic test, performance distance tended to decrease in IG (-26.54mm) and increase in CG (+34.10mm) among all women (p =0.060). The women aged 75 years or over, showed marginally significant differences between the groups as regards changes in performance time (-2.66s and -0.90s) (p =0.068) and distance (-92.32mm and +76.46mm) (p =0.062) of the dynamic balance test in favor of IG. Men showed no significant differences in the changes between the groups in any balance measures.