A post-hospital home exercise program improved mobility but increased falls in older people: a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Home exercise can prevent falls in the general older community but its impact in people recently discharged from hospital is not known. The study aimed to investigate the effects of a home-based exercise program on falls and mobility among people recently discharged from hospital.

Methods and findings

This randomised controlled trial (ACTRN12607000563460) was conducted among 340 older people. Intervention group participants (n = 171) were asked to exercise at home for 15-20 minutes up to 6 times weekly for 12 months. The control group (n = 169) received usual care. Primary outcomes were rate of falls (assessed over 12 months using monthly calendars), performance-based mobility (Lower Extremity Summary Performance Score, range 0-3, at baseline and 12 months, assess

SUBMITTER: Sherrington C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4152130 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature