Presentation
Evaluation of Physical, Social and Emotional Outcomes of Idaho's Fit and Fall Proof Program on Older Adults
American Public Health Association 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo
(2016)
Abstract
Fall prevention for older adults is a public health priority. In Idaho, falling is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death among the elderly. Improving physical, social and mental well-being in older adults enables them to remain in their home, where they can age in place. Fit and Fall Proof (FFP) has been a partnership between state and local health districts since 2004. FFP is a volunteer-led, 10-week community-based program designed to improve strength, balance and mobility; as well as social and emotional engagement. We conducted a longitudinal quasi-experimental study to evaluate physical, social, and emotional outcomes among new participants. Primary outcomes, collected at baseline, 10-weeks and 20-weeks, were the 8-foot Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and the SF-36v2. Overall 120 participants were recruited over two sessions, representing rural (53%) and urban (47%) participants. At baseline, 95 women (79%) and 25 men (21%) were enrolled, of which 57 were <75 years and 62 were ≥75 years. Significant improvements were seen in TUG times, as well as in SF-36v2 measures of physical, social, and emotional health. TUG improvements in participants ≥75 years were more affected by attendance, however, in participants who attended regularly, improvements were statistically equivalent to those <75 years. Participants completing both 10-week sessions (66%) showed sustained improvements over the second session. FFP is unique because class leaders are volunteers trained free-of-charge by community-based Master Trainers using an evidence-based curriculum. This public health partnership has a 12-year history of bringing critical – and effective - fall prevention programming to rural/frontier communities.
Keywords
- community-based partnership & collaboration,
- physical activity
Publication Date
October 31, 2016
Location
Denver, CO
Citation Information
Elizabeth Lyon Hannah, Sarah E. Toevs and Michelle Arnett. "Evaluation of Physical, Social and Emotional Outcomes of Idaho's Fit and Fall Proof Program on Older Adults" American Public Health Association 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (2016) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sarah_toevs/10/