User:Ryanq14/sandbox

What is the background to this research?
This study investigated the application of individually prescribed home-exercise programs that enhances strength and balance to reduce the occurrence of falls in elder women. The risk of falling in elderly people is higher as they decline in cognition, vision, balance, gait and muscle strength.1 This study tested the effectiveness of the exercise program in relation to fall frequency and injury prevention.

Where is the research from?
The research was produced in Dunedin, New Zealand. It was conducted by Professor Campbell with help from other professors and was funded by Accidental Rehabilitation and Compensation Insurance Corporation of New Zealand.

What kind of research was this?
It was a randomised controlled trial involving an exercise group (116 women), and a control group (117 women). The aim was to compare the amount of falls that occurred in each group and if the implementation of an exercise program affected the amount of falls. Participants reported back throughout the 12 month period in regards to the frequency of falls within each group, as well as the degree of injury incurred.

What did the research involve?
It involved female subjects who were 80 years or older and were functionally able to move around their own home. These females had to be registered with a general practice in Dunedin, not receiving physiotherapy, and had to be in an adequate mental state which was determined by a doctor. Subjects were randomly split into a 'control' group and an 'exercise program' group. The research involved monitoring subjects over the course of a year with the participants reporting back to the research team at the end of each month about the amount of falls they suffered. These were defined as "unintentionally coming to rest on the ground, floor, or other lower level."

As both groups were monitored for fall frequency, they were also evaluated on strength, balance, endurance and gait at the initiation of the study, 6 months through and at the conclusion. The aim was to indicate if the improvements gained from the exercise program reduced the prevalence of falls in elderly women. Falls were categorised into "serious" if the injuries sustained included a fracture, required stitches or if hospital were necessary. They were indicated as "moderate" if bruising, sprains, cuts, abrasions or a decreased functional ability for a minimum of three days had occurred.

What were the basic results?
At the conclusion of the 12 months, there had been 152 falls in the control group and 88 in the exercise group. The rate of falls for the control group was 1.93/year and 1.29/year for the exercise group. The amount of subjects that were injured from a fall was lower in the exercise group (26.2%) than the control group (39.1%).

How did the researchers interpret the results?
The researchers compared the data resembeling the number of falls and injuries sustained in each group. They concluded from the results that the individually adapted exercise programs were effective in improving the elderly women in regards to functional ability and reduced the amount of falls and injuries sustained in women 80 years or older. There was a strong portrayal from the results for the significance of functional capacity to prevent falls in the elderly.

What conclusions should be taken away from this research?
The conditioning of strength and balance significantly reduces the incidence of falls and injuries in women aged 80 years or older. Physical activity-related risk factors for falls include limitations in general functioning, such as ambulation and mobility problems, as well as difficulty or dependence in activities of daily living.2 The amount of injuries that were sustained from falls was lower in the exercise group than the control group, which portrays that the exercise program not only reduced the amount of falls, it also reduced the fatality.

What are the implications of this research?
An individualised home-based exercise program is very effective in terms of fall prevention. Exercise for elderly adults reduce the risk of falls.3 The research indicated that elderly women who have reduced participation in exercise compared to those who partake in exercise programs have more frequent and higher magnitude of injuries. An interdisciplinary approach to elderly people can significantly decrease the risk of further falls and limit functional impairment.4