Keep Exercising & Stay Steady: Development and Feasibility of a Digital Health Intervention to Encourage Exercise Maintenance After Fall Prevention Exercise Programmes End.
Falls and broken bones are common and serious problems for older adults. After completing classes designed to prevent falls by improving strength and balance, many people stop exercising. This study aims to create a digital home exercise program that encourages older adults to keep active even after their group fall prevention classes end. By helping people maintain their strength and balance, this program hopes to prevent future falls and serious injuries like broken hips. The research will involve older adults and healthcare professionals in designing the program to ensure it meets diverse needs, especially focusing on areas where people are most at risk.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you've been working hard in a special exercise class designed to help you stay steady on your feet and avoid falls. That's great! These classes often really help improve your strength and balance. However, researchers have noticed that after these classes finish, many people stop doing their exercises. When this happens, the benefits they gained start to fade, and their risk of falling can go up again. This study is all about finding a way to help people keep up their exercise routine even after their formal classes are over.
Falling can be very serious for older adults, sometimes leading to broken bones, especially broken hips, which can have a big impact on a person's life and independence. Globally, a lot of older people experience falls each year, and these can be very costly to our healthcare system. Because more and more people are living longer, it's really important to find effective ways to keep everyone healthier and safer.
The main goal of this research is to create an easy-to-use home exercise program that uses digital tools, like an app, to encourage people to keep exercising. This isn't just about preventing falls; it's also about helping older adults maintain their physical health, feel more confident doing everyday tasks, and continue living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. The program will be developed with input from older people and healthcare experts to make sure it's helpful and practical for everyone.
Key takeaways
- Falls and broken bones are common in older adults and can be very serious.
- Exercise classes help prevent falls, but many stop exercising afterwards.
- This study is creating a digital program to help older adults keep exercising at home.
- The goal is to reduce future falls, prevent broken bones, and maintain independence.
- The program is being designed with input from older adults and healthcare experts.
- It will first be tested in areas with higher health needs to see how well it works.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for older adults who might want to try out our new home exercise program. To be part of it, you need to be at least 60 years old and currently taking part in a 'Healthworks FaME' fall prevention class in the Northeast region of England. You also need to be able to understand the study information and give your permission to take part.
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you can't walk 5 metres (about the length of a small car) without help from a walking aid, or if a doctor has told you not to do exercise, then this study wouldn't be right for you. Also, if you have a medical condition, problems with your thinking, or a physical issue that would make it hard for you to use digital devices or exercise safely on your own, you wouldn't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 60 years old or older?
- Are you currently attending a Healthworks FaME fall prevention class in the Northeast of England?
- Can you walk 5 metres (about 16 feet) without needing a walking aid?
- Has a doctor told you it's safe for you to exercise?
- Are you comfortable using digital technology like an app, or willing to learn?
- Do you feel you can safely do some exercises on your own at home?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be helping the researchers design and test a new digitally supported exercise program. This program will be introduced to you after you finish your regular fall prevention classes. You'll be asked to use tools like an NHS-approved app called 'Keep on Keep Up' (KOKU) and devices that monitor your physical activity. The researchers will be checking to see if this program is easy to use, helpful, and safe. They will also be looking at how well the study itself is set up to gather important information. You'll be involved in discussions about the program and your feedback will be very important. The total length of your participation will depend on how long the program runs and the follow-up assessments, which will be explained in detail if you are interested in joining.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- HealthWorks: The Health Resource CentreVerified postcodeNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The study aims to create a digital exercise program to help older adults keep exercising after their fall prevention classes finish, to reduce falls and broken bones.
Who is this program for?
It's for older adults, generally over 60, who want to continue exercising to prevent falls and stay healthy after completing a fall prevention program.
What does 'digital health intervention' mean?
It means using technology, like a special exercise app on a phone or tablet, to help you stay active and encourage your exercise routine at home.
Will I be exercising alone?
The program is designed for home exercise, but it's being developed with feedback from participants and aims to provide support through digital tools like an app.
Why is it important to keep exercising after fall prevention classes?
Continuing to exercise helps you keep the strength and balance you gained, which is key to reducing your risk of falls and staying independent.
How to find out more
Sarah Audsley, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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