Effect of home-based exercise programs with e-devices on falls among community-dwelling older adults: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT

Aim: To explore the effectiveness of home-based exercise programs with e-devices (HEPEs) on falls among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Twelve randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis considering four fall-related outcomes. Results: HEPEs significantly reduced the rate of falls (risk ratio 0.82; 95% CI 0.72-0.95; p = 0.006) and improved lower extremity strength (mean difference -0.94; 95% CI -1.71 to -0.47; p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement favoring HEPEs on balance if the participants were aged >75 years (mean difference -0.55; 95% CI -1.05 to -0.05; p = 0.03), or the intervention duration was at least 16 weeks (mean difference -0.81; 95% CI -1.58 to -0.05; p = 0.04). Conclusion: HEPEs demonstrated an overall positive effect on falls among community-dwelling older adults.