Falls Prevention Horizon Scanning Bulletin Volume 11 Issue 11

Physical activity fragmentation and falls in older adults: findings from the national health and aging trends study

Source: The Journal of Gerontology series A

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Date of publication: 11 May 2024

 Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Physical activity (PA) may be an important fall prevention strategy. Current PA guidelines emphasize total PA dose, but daily patterning of PA is underappreciated. With aging, PA bouts become less frequent and shorter in duration (i.e.: more fragmented). PA fragmentation may be an indicator of fall risk, but the relationship is not well understood. This study examined daily PA accumulation and patterns with fall risk in older adults.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

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The immediate and lasting balance outcomes of clinical falls-prevention programs: A non-randomised study

Source: PLOS One

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Date of publication: 14 May 2024

 Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Exercise-based falls-prevention programs are cost-effective population-based approaches to reduce the risk of falling for older adults. The aim was to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of three existing falls-prevention programs.

 Length of publication: 17 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

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How perceptions of aging influence physical activity and exercise in older age: exploring the behavior of people aged 70+ years engaged in fall prevention activities

Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology

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Date of publication: March 2024

 Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: For older people, physical inactivity increases fall risk as well as other preventable health conditions. Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity, uptake and adherence continue to challenge efforts aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing falls. Nested within a randomized controlled trial, this study reports on the factors influencing the physical activity behavior of people, aged between 70 and 90 years, engaged in StandingTall, a home-based balance exercise program proven to reduce falls in the community. The perception of aging, physical activity in older age, and the delivery of exercise were identified as major themes, with the perception of aging an overarching theme influencing both preferences for physical activity in older age and exercise delivery. Findings demonstrate the importance of considering the role of aging, the influence aging has on physical activity and exercise behavior, and how aging influences the delivery and design of exercise programs including falls prevention activities for older people.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

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An investigation into the effects of acute exercise on activities of daily living and cognition in older adults

Source: Journal of Cognitive Enhancement

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Date of publication: 24 February 2024, Vol. 8 , pps. 65-75

 Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The benefits of regular exercise on cognitive functioning and performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) among older adults are well known. However, minimal research exists regarding the effects of acute exercise on cognition, and no research has investigated ADL performance after a single bout of exercise. To address this gap, the present study investigated the effect of an acute bout of exercise on executive functions, balance, and ADLs among healthy older adults.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

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Findings from a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of a music and dance programme for community dwelling older adults

Source: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

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Date of publication: July 2024, Vol. 122

 Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Functional decline, chronic illness, reduced quality of life and increased healthcare utilisation are common in older adults. Evidence suggests music and dance can support healthy ageing in older adults. This study explored the feasibility, potential for effect and cost effectiveness of the Music and Movement for Health (MMH) programme among community-dwelling older adults using a pragmatic cluster-randomised, controlled feasibility trial design.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

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Nursing interventions to empower family caregivers to manage the risk of falling in older adults: a scoping review

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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Date of publication: 

 Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Falls pose a significant risk to older adults, resulting in injuries and declining quality of life. The psychological impact, particularly the fear of falling, impairs their well-being. This pervasive fear affects daily activities, leading to self-imposed limitations and reduced engagement. This review aimed to identify nursing interventions to empower family caregivers to manage the risk of falling in older adults.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Some important notes: Feel free to disseminate if you think someone would benefit from receiving this posting. Contact us at olivia.schaff@mft.nhs.uk if you would like to be added to the distribution list.

Further dissemination

Some important notes: Feel free to disseminate if you think someone would benefit from receiving this posting. Contact us at olivia.schaff@mft.nhs.uk if you would like to be added to the distribution list.