Personal preferences of participation in fall prevention programmes: a descriptive study

Abstract

Background Participation in fall prevention programmes is associated with lower risk of injurious falls among older adults. However participation rates in fall prevention interventions are low. The limited participation in fall prevention might increase with a preference based approach. Therefore, the aims of this study are to a) determine the personal preferences of older adults regarding fall prevention and b) explore the association between personal preferences and participation. Methods We assessed the personal preferences of older adults and the association between their preferences, chosen programme and participation level. Nine different programmes, with a focus on those best matching their personal preferences, were offered to participants. Twelve weeks after the start of the programme, participation was assessed by questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed to test the association between preferences and participation and an ANOVA was performed to assess differences between the number of preferences included in the chosen programme and participation level. Results Of the 134 participants, 49% preferred to exercise at home versus 43% elsewhere, 46% preferred to exercise alone versus 44% in a group and 41% indicated a programme must be free of charge while 51% were willing to pay. The combination of an external location, in a group and for a fee was preferred by 27%, whereas 26% preferred at home, alone and only for free. The presence of preferences or the extent to which the programme matched earlier preferences was not associated with participation. Conclusion Despite the fact that preferences can vary greatly among older adults, local programmes should be available for at least the two largest subgroups. This includes a programme at home, offered individually and for free. In addition, local healthcare providers should cooperate to increase the accessibility of currently available group programmes.

Key Factors Associated with Adherence to Physical Exercise in Patients with Chronic Diseases and Older Adults: An Umbrella Review

“…This brings us to another relevant issue: the willingness to pay for exercise. A recent study showed that only half of the older adults were willing to pay for fall prevention programs [ 76 ], while chronic patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis may be willing to pay little money, with only 26% willing to pay more than €65 for six weeks of an evidence-based program and only 10% willing to pay more than €100 [ 77 ]. Although the benefits of exercise are well-known, people are still reluctant to pay for it, even a low amount of money.…”

Reflections of older people about their experience of fall prevention exercise in the community- a qualitative study exploring evidence-based practice

“…This study focused primarily on the physiotherapist’s point of view on the implementation of evidence-based knowledge. Studies on older peoples’ perspectives have highlighted factors that influence uptake and attitudes to fall prevention exercise programs among older people [ 31 , 35 , 36 ]. However, while other researchers have mainly focused on the older people’s perspectives on fall prevention, limited to the actual training or treatment, we are interested in older peoples’ reflections and perspectives on the three components of EBP - evidence-based knowledge, clinical expertise, and patient values- in fall-prevention.…”

Evaluation of Implementing TOM: A Group-Based Fall Prevention Programme among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in The Netherlands

“…Even though we would like to reach all older adults in a neighbourhood with the TOM programme, not all older adults want to participate in a group. The study of Bartmentloo and colleagues showed that 46 percent of their participants preferred an individual programme versus 44 percent in a group [ 35 ]. Furthermore, to be a programme with impact, exercise and fitness levels have to fit the participant [ 1 , 35 ].…”

“…The study of Bartmentloo and colleagues showed that 46 percent of their participants preferred an individual programme versus 44 percent in a group [ 35 ]. Furthermore, to be a programme with impact, exercise and fitness levels have to fit the participant [ 1 , 35 ]. This already starts during the recruitment stage; if you do not recruit a participant that fits the programme, it will result in a non-effective and non-sustainable programme [ 36 ].…”

“…As mentioned earlier, the current study showed these beneficial effects too, as the participants appreciated the group aspect, showed improvements on quality of life outcomes, and addressed the value of social interaction. Group cohesion helped participants to adhere to the programme, leading to a higher chance of beneficial health effects and a lower fall risk [ 35 , 38 ]. In a future study it would be interesting to study these aspects more objectively and investigate the social impacts on health and fall-related outcomes.…”