Protective and Risk Factors for Physical Activity and Falls Among Oldest-Old Adults Enrolled in an Evidence-Based Fall Risk Reduction Program

This study is an examination of protective and risk factors associated with weekly physical activity and number of falls among oldest-old participants enrolled in A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader (AMOB/VLL) model. Poisson mixed regression models were used to assess potential protective (falls efficacy and self-rated health) and risk (pain, fatigue, and health interference) factors for weekly physical activity and number of falls from baseline to post-intervention after controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, age, education, living alone, and number of chronic conditions. Weekly physical activity and number of falls improved significantly from baseline to post-intervention. Falls efficacy scores and self-rated health (as protectors) as well as fatigue, health interference scores, and pain (as risk factors) at baseline were significantly related to weekly physical activity and number of falls among oldest-old participants. Findings indicate that program elements of AMOB/VLL are effective in improving physical activity and reduce falls among the oldest-old population.