Preventing falls among community-dwelling older persons: Results from a randomized trial

Mark C. Hornbrook; Victor J. Stevens; Darlene J. Wingfield; Jack F. Hollis; Merwyn R. Greenlick; Marcia G. Ory

doi:10.1093/geront/34.1.16

Preventing falls among community-dwelling older persons: Results from a randomized trial

Mark C. Hornbrook, Victor J. Stevens, Darlene J. Wingfield, Jack F. Hollis, Merwyn R. Greenlick, Marcia G. Ory

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

459 Scopus citations

Abstract

A randomized trial of a falls prevention program that addressed home safety, exercise, and behavioral risks was conducted with 3, 182 independently living HMO members age 65 and older. The intervention decreased the odds of falling by 0.85, but only reduced the average number of falls among those who fell by 7%. The effect was strongest among men age 75 and older. The likelihood of avoiding falls requiring medical treatment was not significantly affected by the intervention. We conclude that the intervention dose was not of sufficient intensity or duration to have a marked protective effect on older persons. Future research should focus on more intensive intervention approaches because serious falls do not appear to be amenable to low-intensity environment/behavioral efforts.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	16-23
Number of pages	8
Journal	Gerontologist
Volume	34
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/34.1.16
State	Published - Feb 1994

Keywords

Environment
Exercise
Health behavior
Home safety
Injuries
Walking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Medicine(all)

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10.1093/geront/34.1.16

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abstract = "A randomized trial of a falls prevention program that addressed home safety, exercise, and behavioral risks was conducted with 3, 182 independently living HMO members age 65 and older. The intervention decreased the odds of falling by 0.85, but only reduced the average number of falls among those who fell by 7%. The effect was strongest among men age 75 and older. The likelihood of avoiding falls requiring medical treatment was not significantly affected by the intervention. We conclude that the intervention dose was not of sufficient intensity or duration to have a marked protective effect on older persons. Future research should focus on more intensive intervention approaches because serious falls do not appear to be amenable to low-intensity environment/behavioral efforts.",

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Preventing falls among community-dwelling older persons: Results from a randomized trial

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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