A randomized controlled trial of an internet-based Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise programme (iLiFE) to prevent falls in community-dwelling older fallers
Description: Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of an internet-based lifestyle integrated functional exercise programme combined with home environment safety assessment (iLiFE) in preventing falls in community-dwelling older adults with recent fall(s).
Hypotheses to be tested: Compared with control, iLiFE will reduce the chance of further fall(s) and improve exercise adherence, balance, and mobility measures in community-dwelling older people with recent fall(s).
Design and subjects: Two-arm single-blinded parallel randomized controlled trial in 308 community-dwelling older fallers.
Interventions: Participants will be randomized to iLiFE or control group. iLiFE group will receive 5 sessions of internet-based balance and strength training with home environment safety assessment once every two weeks. Embedment of the learned exercises in daily activities will be taught. Control group will receive 5 sessions of internet-based upper limb flexibility and strength training at the same frequency and duration. No home environment safety assessment or recommendations on embedding the learned exercises in the daily routine will be made.
Main outcome measures: Primary outcome measure is the number of falls in twelve months after baseline assessment. Secondary outcome measures include balance confidence, functional performances, physical activity levels, and medical and social costs of falls and related injuries.
Data analysis: Between-group differences in the number of falls and proportion of fallers will be compared using Poisson regression, logistic regression, and chi-square test. Linear mixed models will be used to evaluate between-group differences in the secondary outcome measures.
Expected results: iLiFE group will show a lower fall rate, better exercise adherence, and fall-related functional measures.
Funder: Health and Medical Research Fund
Amount: HKD 1,499,000
Funding type: grant
Funder scheme: HMRF - Health and Health Services (including HHSRF)
Start date: 2020-01-01
Investigator: Timothy Chi-yui KWOK
Institution: Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 19202261
OpenAlex ID: G8744964799