Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Falls are a significant public health concern among the elderly, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates.
• Fall prevention strategies are crucial for maintaining the health and independence of older adults.
• Geriatric day-hospitals offer a setting for targeted interventions to address age-related functional decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a balance workshop program in a geriatric day-hospital setting.
• To assess the impact of the workshop on fall prevention in older adults.
• To determine the long-term effects of balance training on motor function and psychological well-being.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-center study involving 65 elderly patients (mean age 82.0 years, 89.2% female).
• Participants underwent motor function tests and psychological assessments at baseline, 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
• Key outcome measures included the Timed Up and Go test and the Falls Efficacy Scale International-I.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in motor tests, including a reduction in the Timed Up and Go test duration from 19.1s at baseline to 15.8s at 2 months (P=0.01), sustained through 1 year (P=0.04).
• A significant decrease in the Falls Efficacy Scale International-I score was noted, indicating reduced fear of falling, from 11.6 at baseline to 8.2 at 2 months (P=0.001), maintained at 1 year (P=0.02).
• The study demonstrated sustained benefits in both physical function and psychological well-being throughout the 12-month follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• Balance workshops conducted in geriatric day-hospitals are effective in improving motor function and reducing fear of falling in older adults.
• These programs represent a valuable component of primary care for fall prevention strategies in the elderly population.
• The findings underscore the need for and benefits of integrating balance training into geriatric care settings.