Promoting Fall Self-Efficacy and Fall Risk Awareness in Older Adults
Graduation Date
2011
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Abstract
Introduction: This study examined whether participation in a modified version of the “Stepping On” program was effective in increasing fall self-efficacy, static and dynamic balance, and awareness of fall risks in older adults.
Design: A mixed methods, one-group, quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design was used.
Participants: Nineteen community-dwelling women aged 65 and older residing in Redwoods Senior Community in Mill Valley, California.
Intervention: “Stepping On" is a seven-week fall prevention education program focused on group exercises, home hazards, community safety and footwear, vision and medication management. The Modified Fall Self-Efficacy (MFES) scale. Get Up and Go (GUG), and Romberg Balance Tests were administered pre and postintervention. A focus group was facilitated post-intervention to assess changes in fall risks awareness.
Results: Results are reported for 19 participants who completed assessments and intervention. The MFES post-intervention results indicated a lower level ot confidence in participants’ ability to avoid a tall (p=0.03). GUG completion time increased post intervention. No change in static balance was noted. Participants had an overall increase in awareness ot tall risks post-intervention.
Conclusion: Although results did not support the hypothesis regarding increased fall self-efficacy or static and dynamic balance, participation in the “Stepping On" program did lead to an overall increase in awareness of fall risk. Occupational therapy practitioners can use the information gained from this study to determine whether the “Stepping On” program is an appropriate intervention for their clients. In addition, results of the study can guide program development for occupational therapists seeking to create a fall prevention program.