85 Exploring the Feasibility of the Adapted Lifestyle - Integrated Functional Exercise (ALIFE) Programme to Prevent Falls among Older Adults in Thailand

Abstract

Abstract Background Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults in Thailand. Exercise appears to be a strategy to reduce falls. There is a need to develop a fall prevention exercise programme to encourage participation and adherence. The adapted Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise (aLiFE) programme may be suitable by integrating exercise into daily routines as opposed to attending an exercise class. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and feasibility of the aLiFE programme in older Thai adults and identify if modifications are necessary for this population. Method To obtain older Thai adults' perspectives and stakeholders’ views, 40 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 60 years, in urban and rural locations in Thailand, and 14 stakeholders (e.g. healthcare professionals) working with older Thai adults were included. Qualitative methods were used to conduct focus groups and in-depth interviews with older adults, and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. Thematic analyses using Framework Approach were conducted. Results Findings revealed positive views and identified four themes including: (a) individual factors, (b) perceptions of aLiFE, (c) recommendations for implementing aLiFE in Thailand, and (d) motivation. Older participants expressed interest in performing aLiFE in their daily activities, although some activities may need to be modified to fit the Thai cultural context. Stakeholders were concerned about how to motivate older Thai adults to adhere to aLiFE. Healthcare professionals and family members could play a major role to support older adults in uptake of aLiFE. Benefits (e.g. independence and fall prevention) may motivate older adults to engage in aLiFE. Clear and simple instructions were requested. Conclusion The aLiFE programme should be feasible and acceptable among older Thai adults. The aLiFE programme has been appropriately modified to be ‘Thai LiFE (TLiFE)’. A feasibility randomised controlled trial of the TLiFE programme has been conducted in older Thai adults.