A Translational Research Evaluation of the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) Community-Based Fall Prevention Exercise and Education Program

Abstract

Falls in older adults are the leading cause of injury hospitalizations and fatalities in the United States; primary risk factors are muscle weakness, impaired mobility, and balance deficits. This article describes the 12-month translational research evaluation of the Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) community-based public health, public domain fall prevention exercise and education program. Recruitment reached the target goal by 154%; 331 adults (mean age = 74.6) attended more than one class (mean classes attended = 24.8, SD = 26.6, range = 1-120) at nine community sites in one county in the 12-month period; 173 completed health and demographic forms, 132 completed program surveys, and 91 completed baseline and follow-up physical function tests. Physical function test results showed significant improvements in strength, balance, and mobility in those who were below normal limits at baseline, and in those who attended classes twice a week or more for more than 2 months. Survey results found that 93% of respondents reported improved performance of daily activities; 92% reported improved strength, balance, fitness, or flexibility; and 80% found the SAIL information guide education component helpful.

Generalization of treadmill-slip training to prevent a fall following a sudden (novel) slip in over-ground walking

“…Slips comprise 40% of outdoor falls among older adults (Luukinen et al, 2000). Growing efforts have been directed towards designing and implementing fall prevention programs ranging from education only (Boardman et al, 2010; Hakim et al, 2007; York et al, 2011) to multi-factorial balance training (e.g. combined strengthening and balance exercises) (Carter et al, 2001; Rubenstein and Josephson, 2006; Tideiksaar, 1987; Tinetti et al, 1994) to alternative therapeutic approaches (e.g.…”

Alteration in community-dwelling older adults' level walking following perturbation training

“…Backward falls from a slip frequently cause hip fracture that can have devastating consequences (Kannus et al, 1999). Extensive efforts have been directed towards designing and implementing fall prevention programs (Hu and Woollacott, 1994; Rubenstein and Josephson, 2006; Wolf et al, 2003; York et al, 2011). …”

Frequent 911 Fall Calls in Older Adults: Opportunity for Injury Prevention Strategies

“…There is a large body of literature that demonstrates the effectiveness of fall prevention in older adults, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Council on Aging supporting many community‐based strategies to reduce falls . Community fall prevention programs such as Stepping On, Community Aging in Place—Advancing Better Living for Elders, Enhance Fitness, FallScape, Silver Sneakers, Stay Active and Independent for Life, Otago, and Matter of Balance use workshops, exercise classes, and home‐based exercise programs to reduce falls of older adults in the community . In addition, the CDC has published robust resources describing evidence‐based fall‐prevention programs for communities and has created the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries toolkit to help guide and provide resources for healthcare providers to reduce fall risks of older adults .…”

“…14,[24][25][26] Community fall prevention programs such as Stepping On, Community Aging in Place-Advancing Better Living for Elders, Enhance Fitness, FallScape, Silver Sneakers, Stay Active and Independent for Life, Otago, and Matter of Balance use workshops, exercise classes, and home-based exercise programs to reduce falls of older adults in the community. 24,[27][28][29][30][31][32] In addition, the CDC has published robust resources describing evidence-based fall-prevention programs for communities and has created the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries toolkit to help guide and provide resources for healthcare providers to reduce fall risks of older adults. 33 Despite the clear evidence of efficacy for fall prevention and the availability of fall prevention programs, there is a large gap in implementation for at-risk older adults.…”