Implementing an Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Intervention in Community Senior Centers.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Evidence-Based Interventions

Background:

• Falls are a significant public health concern for community-dwelling older adults.
• Community senior centers offer a potential setting for implementing fall prevention programs.
• Existing fall prevention strategies require evaluation for broad applicability and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) program in community senior centers.
• To assess the adoption, reach, implementation, effectiveness, and maintenance of the TJQMBB program.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness of the TJQMBB program for fall prevention.

Main Methods:

• A single-group design was employed across 36 senior centers in 4 Oregon counties (2012-2016).
• The Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) program was delivered by trained instructors over 48 weeks.
• Fall data were collected via self-report, with a 6-month postintervention follow-up.

Main Results:

• The TJQMBB program achieved high adoption (89%) and population reach (90%).
• A 49% reduction in total falls and improved physical performance were observed.
• The program demonstrated good maintenance of participation and cost-effectiveness ($917 per fall prevented).

Conclusions:

• The Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) program is an effective public health intervention for primary fall prevention.
• Broad implementation in community senior centers is feasible and recommended for older adults.
• TJQMBB offers a valuable strategy to reduce fall incidence and improve physical function in community-dwelling seniors.