CompletedInterventional

Feasibility of an aquatic exercise therapy intervention for falls prevention in older adults

Falls are a big concern for many people aged 65 and over, often leading to injuries and reduced quality of life. This study, called AQUA STEPS, is exploring if a special exercise programme done in water can help prevent falls in older adults who are at a higher risk. Exercise is already known to help with balance and strength, which are important for preventing falls. Water exercises might have extra benefits, like being gentler on joints. The researchers want to see if this water exercise programme is something people will stick with, what its effects are, and how it compares to standard land-based exercise programmes. The study is run by the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow Caledonian.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

100

Start

31 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

17 Jul 2024

Prevention of falls in older adults who have a high risk of falls

What is this study about?

Falling can be a serious issue for many older people. It's quite common, affecting about a third of those over 65 each year, and can lead to broken bones like hip fractures, needing care, or even having to move into a care home. Falls often happen because of things like poor balance, weak muscles, or difficulty moving around.

Regular exercise that takes place on land is already known to help improve these issues and can reduce the chance of falling by a good amount. However, exercising in water might offer some extra advantages. The water supports your body, making movements gentler on your joints and spine. It also helps with balance and movement because of the gentle pressure it puts on your body. This study wants to find out if a water-based exercise programme is a good and practical way to help prevent falls.

The main goals of this study are to create and deliver a water exercise programme for people who are at a high risk of falling. They want to see if older adults are happy to join such a programme and complete it. They will also look at whether the programme helps to reduce the risk of falls and will compare its effects with an existing exercise programme done on land.

Key takeaways

This study explores water exercises for fall prevention in older adults.
It lasts 16 weeks with follow-ups for 6 months.
It compares water exercise with regular land exercise.
Potential benefits include better balance and strength.
Mild muscle soreness is a possible, temporary side effect.
The study is funded by the Scottish Government.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are aged 50 or over. You must be living independently, which means not in a care home, and be able to take part in an exercise class comfortably. It's for those who have either fallen before, are worried about falling, struggle with their balance or walking, or feel a bit unsteady on their feet.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've recently had a serious fall that hasn't been checked by a doctor, or if you have memory problems that would make it hard to follow the exercise instructions. You also can't be in the study if you're already doing another exercise programme or if you have certain health conditions that mean exercising in water or on land might not be safe for you.

These conditions include serious breathing problems, skin infections, being allergic to chlorine, a fear of water, bladder control issues, very poor eyesight or dizziness, or certain heart conditions or high blood pressure that aren't well controlled. If you have any concerns about these, it's best to discuss them with the study contact.

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 50 years old or older?
Do you live independently (not in a care home)?
Can you physically take part in an exercise class?
Have you fallen before, or do you feel unsteady?
Do you feel able to manage your own exercise intensity?
Do you have any serious medical conditions that might make exercise unsafe (e.g. uncontrolled heart issues, severe breathing problems, fear of water)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll either take part in a water-based exercise programme or a land-based one, depending on which group you choose. Both programmes last for 16 weeks.

If you're in the water exercise group, you'll have two supervised 30-minute sessions each week in shallow water (waist to chest deep). You'll also get advice on preventing falls and suggestions for exercises you can do at home if you wish. If you're in the land exercise group, you'll have one 60-minute supervised session each week, along with the same fall prevention advice and home exercise suggestions.

Everyone in the study will have three testing sessions: one at the very start, one when the 16-week programme finishes, and another six months after the programme ends. These tests will help the researchers see how you've progressed. You might also be asked to keep a weekly or monthly diary to note down any falls, any side effects you experience, or any other exercise you do.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this programme might lead to several positive changes. You could find your balance, strength, and overall ability to move have improved, which might help reduce your risk of falling. This could also positively affect your general health and how much you enjoy life. However, like with any new exercise, you might feel a bit of muscle discomfort, soreness, or stiffness, especially in the first few weeks if you're not used to exercising. We encourage everyone to tell the study team about any discomfort so they can offer advice. For those exercising in water, the areas around the pool can sometimes be slippery, posing a fall risk, but the study team is taking steps to minimise this. Remember, you are always free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (14)

Dalry Swim Centre
Approximate
EDINBURGH, United Kingdom
Warrender Swim Centre
Approximate
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Ainslie Park Leisure Centre
Approximate
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Glenogle Swim Centre
Approximate
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Penicuik Leisure Centre
City only
Penicuik, United Kingdom
Steady Steps sessions at Christ Church Morningside
Unverified
EDINBURGH, United Kingdom
Royal Commonwealth Pool
Unverified
EDINBURGH, United Kingdom
Steady Steps sessions at Meggetland Sport complex
Unverified
EDINBURGH, United Kingdom
Steady Steps sessions at Cramond Kirk Hall
Unverified
United Kingdom
Drumbrae Leisure Centre
Unverified
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Gracemount Leisure Centre
Unverified
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Leith Victoria Leisure Centre
Unverified
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study wants to see if water-based exercises can help older adults prevent falls and how this compares to land-based exercises.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

The exercise programme lasts 16 weeks, and there are assessments at the start, end, and 6 months after the programme finishes.

Where is this study taking place?

It's being run by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow Caledonian University, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure in the UK.

Will I need to pay to participate?

The study is funded by the Chief Scientist Office (part of the Scottish Government), so you will not need to pay to participate.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

You can get in touch with Dr Stelios Psycharakis at stelios.psycharakis@ed.ac.uk.

How to find out more

Stelios Psycharakis

stelios.psycharakis@ed.ac.uk +44 (0)131 651 6587 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.