Potential Implementation of Reactive Balance Training within Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Falls are a significant health concern among older adults in continuing care retirement communities.
• Effective falls prevention programs are crucial for maintaining resident independence and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of integrating reactive balance training (RBT) into standard practice within continuing care retirement communities.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to RBT implementation for falls prevention.

Main Methods:

• Reactive balance training (RBT) involved participants experiencing controlled trip-like perturbations on a modified treadmill.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with residents and administrators to explore implementation factors.

Main Results:

• Leadership support, culture of change, and receptivity were identified as key facilitators.
• Intervention costs, resident recruitment, and accessibility posed significant barriers.
• Participants reported improved balance, increased tripping awareness, and enhanced mobility confidence.

Conclusions:

• Reactive balance training (RBT) has the potential to meet a need for falls prevention in retirement communities.
• Understanding contextual factors, intervention characteristics, and facilitation strategies is vital for successful RBT adoption.