Long-Term Participation in Peer-Led Fall Prevention Classes Predicts Lower Fall Incidence

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between length of participation in Steady As You Go (SAYGO) peer-led fall prevention exercise classes for older adults and 12-month fall incidence. DesignTwelve-month prospective cohort study. SettingCommunity settings. ParticipantsOlder adults (N=207; 189 women, 18 men) aged ≥65y (mean age ± SD, 77.7±6.6y) actively participating in SAYGO classes. InterventionPeer-led fall prevention exercise classes. Main Outcome MeasuresTwelve-month prospective fall incidence data were collected by monthly calendars. Falls in the previous year and number of years of SAYGO participation were obtained by baseline questionnaire. Class attendance was monitored weekly by class attendance records. ResultsMean length ± SD of SAYGO participation was 4.3±2.5 years (range, 1–10y). Average class attendance was 69%. Crude fall rate was .75 per person-year. Fall incidences at 12 and 24 months were highly correlated (r=.897, P<.001). Longer SAYGO participation (≥3y) resulted in a lower 12-month fall incidence (incidence rate ratio, .90; 95% confidence interval, .82–.99; P=.03) compared with a shorter duration of participation (1–2y). ConclusionsSAYGO appears to be an effective fall prevention intervention with a high attendance rate and a lower fall incidence with long-term participation. Prospective controlled studies on long-term participation in peer-led fall prevention exercise programs are needed to confirm and extend these findings.