Clinician acceptability of the ReacStep reactive balance training program for fall prevention

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Balance and mobility impairments are significant challenges in clinical populations.
• Novel training programs are needed to improve outcomes in balance and mobility rehabilitation.
• Assessing clinician acceptability is crucial for the successful implementation of new therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability of a new reactive balance training program, ReacStep, among clinicians.
• To assess clinician perceptions of ReacStep across multiple domains of acceptability.
• To identify specific clinical settings and patient populations where ReacStep may be most suitable.

Main Methods:

• A survey based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability was administered to clinicians.
• The survey used 11-point visual analog scales to assess seven domains of acceptability.
• 207 clinicians (physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists) participated.

Main Results:

• ReacStep demonstrated good overall acceptability, intervention coherence, perceived efficacy, ethicality, and self-efficacy (mean scores >7).
• Clinician ratings for affective attitude, burden, and opportunity cost were variable (mean scores 2-8), citing concerns about client anxiety and resource needs.
• ReacStep was perceived as more effective and safer for geriatric clients than neurological clients, and more suitable for outpatient rehabilitation and private practice settings.

Conclusions:

• The ReacStep program is generally acceptable to clinicians prescribing balance and mobility training.
• Clinicians perceive ReacStep as more effective and safer for older adults without neurological conditions.
• The program is considered beneficial in outpatient rehabilitation and private practice settings.