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Multitarget stepping program in combination with a standardized multicomponent exercise program can prevent falls in
Minoru Yamada1, Takahiro Higuchi, Shu Nishiguchi
1Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|September 5, 2013
Summary
Multitarget stepping (MTS) combined with exercise significantly reduced falls and fractures in older adults. This intervention improved stepping accuracy, gaze, and physical performance, suggesting a fall prevention strategy.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Falls are a major concern for community-dwelling older adults, leading to injury and reduced independence.
- Multicomponent exercise programs are effective in improving physical function, but their combination with specific stepping tasks needs further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a twice-weekly multitarget stepping (MTS) task combined with a multicomponent exercise program on fall prevention in older adults.
- To assess the effects on stepping accuracy, gaze behavior, and traditional fall risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A 24-week randomized controlled trial involving 264 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older in Japan.
- Participants were assigned to either an MTS group (MTS task + multicomponent exercise) or a control group.
- Outcomes included fall and fracture rates over 12 months, stepping accuracy, gaze behavior, and clinical tests (TUG, FR, 10-m walk, 5CS).
Main Results:
- The MTS group experienced significantly fewer falls (11.6% vs. 33.0%) and fall-related fractures (0.22 RR) compared to the control group.
- Improvements were observed in stepping accuracy and gaze behavior in a subset of the MTS group.
- Significant enhancements in Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 10-m walking performance were noted for all MTS participants (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Combining multitarget stepping tasks with multicomponent exercise enhances stepping accuracy, gaze control, and physical performance in older adults.
- These improvements in a complex virtual environment may contribute to a reduced incidence of falls in community-dwelling older adults.
