Understanding “Fear Of Falling” And How It Impacts Older Persons Motivation To Engage In Fall Prevention Exercise Interventions

Abstract Background Fear of falling can cause older persons to restrict their activities, which drives reduced strength and balance and increases their falls risk. Falls can have a significant effect on older persons in terms of loss of confidence, ongoing falls risk and ultimately, a poorer quality of life (Oliver et al, 2010). Fall prevention exercise interventions can help reduce the risk of falling in older adults by up to 34% (Sherrington et al, 2020). This study aims to explore the prevalence of fear of falling in older adults both before and after attending a community-based fall prevention exercise programme. The programme consisted of an evidence-based Physiotherapy led 10-week strength and balance class, followed by a 16-week exercise instructor led strength and balance class. Methods A 2-part qualitative study. Part 1: Prior to commencing the class each participant completed a rating of their fear of falling measured by ConfBal (a validated 10 item Balance Confidence scale). Part 2: Questionnaire assessing their experience of the classes and corresponding change in balance scores. Results 17 older adults completed the programme. Surveys were returned by 8/17 to date (47%). Mean pre-intervention ConfBal score of 20, mean post intervention score of 15 (8/17 participants to date), average 4-point improvement after intervention was statistically significant (p=0.008). Reported benefits of falls prevention exercise classes include peer-peer discussion of functional ability, gaining confidence by exercising in a group environment, practising functional exercises relating to day-to-day tasks, and building social relationships. Conclusion Fear of falling amongst community dwelling older adults is common but group exercise improves confidence as well as boosting social interactions. Participation in fall prevention exercise programmes can help to better support older people as they age which may influence better health outcomes in our communities.