Falls Prevention Horizon Scanning Bulletin Volume 3 Issue 3

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Exercise interventions for older people living in the community

Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2013, Online

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Date of publication: January 2013

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This is an updated version of a Cochrane Systematic Review. The original provided evidence that preventive interventions such as exercise programmes, cataract surgery and psychoactive medicine withdrawal can reduce the rate of falls in older people. This updated version aimed to assess the effects of interventions and focused on comparing these interventions with controls interventions such as usual care and placebos.

Length of publication: 2 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.

Activity restriction vs. self-direction: fear of falling in older adults

Source: International Journal of Older People Nursing, 2013, online

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Date of publication: January 2013

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This study investigated the fear of falling in older adults who had been hospitalised, relating to their physical function and patient characteristics. Functional decline commonly occurs in this group, and is associated with low mobility and physical activity, and understanding these relationships may inform the development of safe, function-promoting activities. People may restrict their activities due to the fear of falling, and a multi-factorial approach may encourage self-direction and functional recovery to recover from and prevent falls.

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.

The smallest worthwhile effect of a falls-prevention intervention

Source: BMJ Open, 2013, published online

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Date of publication: February 2013

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This paper investigates how to identify the smallest worthwhile effect (SWE) or exercise-based programmes to prevent falls in older people, the SWE being the smallest effect which justifies the costs, risks and inconvenience of an intervention. The study uses two methodological approaches to estimate the SWE of exercise interventions, and participants are to be interviewed in person at different points in the study.

Length of publication: 5 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.

Tai Chi can prevent falls in the elderly

Source: Osteoporosis Dorset

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Date of publication: February 2012

Publication type: Website article

In a nutshell: This article, originally published in the Telegraph in September 2012, describes new guidelines for physiotherapists in which elderly people are recommended dance and Tai Chi on prescription. The guidance also says that simple exercise programmes and balance training can significantly reduce the risk of falling.

Length of publication: 1 page

Harmonic ratio of trunk acceleration predicts falling among older people

Source: Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation, 2013, 10 (7)

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Date of publication: January 2013

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Harmonic ratio from upper trunk accelerometry may predict the risk of falls independently of physical performance. The HR of the upper and lower trunks of fallers has been found to be consistently lower in fallers than in non-fallers. Further studies are needed to confirm the clinical relevance.

Length of publication: 6 pages

A fall management program in a nursing home population

Source: The Gerontologist, 2013, published online

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Date of publication: January 2013

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This study, from Canada, evaluates a fall management programme in nursing homes to see the effects on falls, injurious falls and falls resulting in hospitalisation. It also notes whether residents’ mobility increased or not, another good indicator of falls risk.

Length of publication: 1 page

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.

Fall prevention after birth: a patient-centred approach

Source: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, 2013, 38 (1) p. 15-18

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Date of publication: January/February 2013

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Falls after giving birth are not well documented, according to this American paper, even though women are at risk of falls at this time, especially during the first attempts to walk. A fall prevention team, and patient-centred fall prevention strategy, were formed to decrease the incidence of postnatal falls. The results of this have been used to continue with further research in falls prevention.

Length of publication: 3 pages

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