Effectiveness of a Matter of Balance Program Within an Assisted Living Community

Lori Reynolds, Brandi L. Buchanan, Jeffrey L. Alexander, Elton Bordenave

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aims: Given the incidence of falls among individuals in senior living communities, this study examined the effectiveness of the Matter of Balance (MOB) program in reducing falls risk and improving walking speed and participant perceptions of effectiveness. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted with 24 participants in a single 2-h MOB class each week for 8 weeks. Pre and post-measures were the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) and the 10-Meter Walk Test. Focus group and individual interviews were completed after program completion. Results: Total scores on the Mini-BESTest improved pre-to-post intervention (p = 0.008) as did anticipatory balance scores (p = 0.004). Walking speed slightly increased. Conclusions: This study’s results indicate the benefits the MOB program may have in senior living communities; however, additional research is warranted to determine the influence of the program on the reduction of falls risk and clinically meaningful improvements in walking speed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)18-30
Number of pages13
JournalPhysical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2 2020

Keywords

  • Falls prevention programs
  • falls risk
  • older adults
  • senior living
  • walking speed

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation
  • Gerontology
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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