Optimizing and Implementing a Community-Based Group Fall Prevention Program: A Mixed Methods Study.

Falls and fall-related injuries among older adults are associated with decreased health. Therefore, fall prevention programs (FPPs) are increasingly important. However, the translation of such complex programs into clinical practice lacks insight into factors that influence implementation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify how to optimize and further implement a widely used group-based FPP in the Netherlands among participants, therapists and stakeholders using a mixed methods study. FPP participants and therapists filled out a questionnaire about their experiences with the FPP. Moreover, three focus groups were conducted with FPP participants, one with therapists and one with other stakeholders. Data were analysed according to the thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clarke. Overall, 93% of the 104 FPP participants were satisfied with the FPP and 86% (n = 12) of the therapists would recommend the FPP to older adults with balance or mobility difficulties. Moreover, six themes were identified regarding further implementation: (1) recruiting and motivating older adults to participate; (2) structure and content of the program; (3) awareness, confidence and physical effects; (4) training with peers; (5) funding and costs; and (6) long-term continuation. This study resulted in practical recommendations for optimizing and further implementing FPPs in practice.

Levels of Physical Activity in Children with Extremity Fractures a Dutch Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Fractures are common in children and a frequent cause of emergency department (ED) visits. Fractures can cause long-term complications, such as growth problems. Research on fractures can reveal useful areas of focus for injury prevention. Objective: To assess the role of physical activity in the occurrence of fractures, this study investigates physical activity among children with extremity fractures based on the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health. Methods: A multi-center, cross-sectional study was performed at two EDs in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Patients between 4 and 18 years of age visiting these EDs with a fracture were asked to complete a validated questionnaire. Results: Of the 188 respondents, 51% were found to adhere to the recommendations. Among participants between 13 and 18 years of age, 43% were adequately physically active, compared to participants between 4 and 12 years of age among whom 56% were adequately physically active (p = 0.080). Additionally, more males were found to meet the recommendations (60% versus 40%). The most common traumas were sports-related (57%). Sports-related traumas were cited more often among youth between 13 and 18 years of age, compared to those between 4 and 12 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A relatively high prevalence of adherence to the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health was observed among children with fractures. Most respondents obtained their fractures during participation in sports. This study emphasizes the need for more injury prevention, especially among youth between 13 and 18 years of age and children participating in sports.

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

There is strong evidence that effective fall prevention elements exist, but the implementation into society remains difficult. The aim of the current study is to describe and evaluate the implementation of the fall prevention programme "Thuis Onbezorgd Mobiel" (TOM). This novel approach combines effective components into a multidisciplinary group-based programme for adults aged 65 years or older with an increased risk of falling. To investigate the impact on several health-related outcomes such as subjective health, quality of life, physical functioning, and falls, we applied a quasi-experimental pre-post design including a follow-up period. A total of 164 older adults subscribed to the programme: 80 were eligible to start and 73 completed it. The impact analysis revealed a significant improvement in subjective health, physical functioning, and quality of life directly after participating in the programme. The impact on subjective health and quality of life persisted six months after the programme. Important facilitators for the implementation of the programme were social contact and clear communication. Lack of a concrete follow-up was seen as an important barrier. The results of the current research help guide further implementation of effective fall prevention interventions in practice.

The (cost-)effectiveness of an implemented fall prevention intervention on falls and fall-related injuries among community-dwelling older adults with an increased risk of falls: protocol for the in balance randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Falls and fall-related injuries among older adults are a serious threat to the quality of life and result in high healthcare and societal costs. Despite evidence that falls can be prevented by fall prevention programmes, practical barriers may challenge the implementation of these programmes. In this study, we will investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of In Balance, a fourteen-week, low-cost group fall prevention intervention, that is widely implemented in community-dwelling older adults with an increased fall risk in the Netherlands. Moreover, we will be the first to include cost-effectiveness for this intervention. Based on previous evidence of the In Balance intervention in pre-frail older adults, we expect this intervention to be (cost-)effective after implementation-related adjustments on the target population and duration of the intervention. METHODS: This study is a single-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial. The target sample will consist of 256 community-dwelling non-frail and pre-frail adults of 65 years or older with an increased risk of falls. The intervention group receives the In Balance intervention as it is currently widely implemented in Dutch healthcare, which includes an educational component and physical exercises. The physical exercises are based on Tai Chi principles and focus on balance and strength. The control group receives general written physical activity recommendations. Primary outcomes are the number of falls and fall-related injuries over 12 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes consist of physical performance measures, physical activity, confidence, health status, quality of life, process evaluation and societal costs. Mixed model analyses will be conducted for both primary and secondary outcomes and will be stratified for non-frail and pre-frail adults. DISCUSSION: This trial will provide insight into the clinical and societal impact of an implemented Dutch fall prevention intervention and will have major benefits for older adults, society and health insurance companies. In addition, results of this study will inform healthcare professionals and policy makers about timely and (cost-)effective prevention of falls in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register: NL9248 (registered February 13, 2021).

Variation and achievement of ambulatory activity among patients with chronic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the variation in activity parameters in patients with stroke over several days, and to assess whether patients with chronic stroke differ from each other in their achievement of ambulatory activity level. DESIGN: Descriptive study. METHODS: A total of 14 patients with chronic stroke wore 2 tri-axial accelerometers in their pockets for 7 consecutive days. The mean and standard deviation of activity parameters (duration of activity in minutes, and length and number of bouts of activity) were assessed across days. Outcome parameters were divided into morning, afternoon and evening, in order to assess the activity pattern. RESULTS: The total group had a mean activity time of 54 min and standard deviation of 23 min over several days (range 5-45 min). Inactive participants had a significantly lower mean number of activity bouts, but no clear difference in length of bouts. Although activity level decreased during the day for the total group, only 4 participants showed a significant difference between periods of the day. CONCLUSION: A high level of variation in activity parameters over several days indicates the importance of measuring multiple days when assessing a patient's ambulatory activity level. Moreover, individual differences between patients indicate the importance of tailored advice in promoting their level of physical activity.