Feasibility of social cognitive theory‐based fall prevention intervention for people with intellectual disabilities living in group‐home

Abstract

Background Adults with intellectual disability (ID) have a higher rate of fall events than the general population. Consequently, interventions for reducing fall events and improving health are highly required for individuals with ID. One essential step towards effectively delivering fall prevention interventions among adults with ID involves evaluating their feasibility. This study examined the feasibility of a home‐based exercise intervention, supplemented with behavioural change strategies, among individuals with ID living in residential settings. Method This study provided an 8‐week intervention, consisting of a workshop for support workers and sessions for participants with ID, focusing on behavioural reward/s, education regarding fall prevention/exercise and exercise training. One week prior to and 1 week following such an intervention, such participants underwent measurements for (1) physical performance, (2) fall efficacy, (3) self‐efficacy for activity and (4) social support. Results Participants having ID (n = 33), support workers (n = 11) and one administrator participated in this study. There were no adverse events during the intervention, and the mean adherence rate was 70.8 ± 19.5%. Two participants with ID dropped out of the programme due to a lack of interest. The participants with ID significantly improved individual physical performance, self‐efficacy for activity, fall efficacy and support from friends and support workers. Conclusions Fall prevention interventions for adults with ID living in group‐homes were highly promising for eventual large‐scale implementation within such communities.

Immediate fall prevention: the missing key to a comprehensive solution for falling hazard in older adults

“…The social cognitive theory proposes that the interplay between personal and environmental factors and behavior itself shapes one’s actions and behavior. This theory has been introduced as a useful framework for identifying fall risk factors and developing intervention paradigms for such disabilities ( van Schijndel-Speet et al, 2014 ; Choi et al, 2020 ; Choi, 2021 ).…”

“…Furthermore, it is established that the population with intellectual disabilities (ID) suffers from a concerning rate of falls due to the early onset of aging including highly frequent comorbidities such as polypharmacy, epilepsy, urinary incontinence, and lower levels of physical activity 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1348712 (Blomqvist et al, 2013;Pal et al, 2014;Salb et al, 2015;O'Dwyer et al, 2016;Molina-García et al, 2018). Unfortunately, while the ID population sustains a lower balance and self-efficacy than the general population, the research on their fall prevention programs is limited (Choi, 2021). Nevertheless, it is well-known that any feasible intervention addressing the population involves implementing different prospects of the social cognitive theory.…”