Effects of risk-based multifactorial fall prevention on postural balance in the community-dwelling aged: a randomized controlled trial

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of 12-month risk-based multifactorial fall prevention program on postural control of the aged. Five hundred and ninety-one (97%) eligible subjects were randomized into an intervention group (IG) (n=293) and a control group (CG) (n=298). The effects of the program were measured on standing, dynamic, and functional balance. In standing balance, the velocity moment of semi-tandem standing decreased in IG (median change -0.54 mm(2)/s) but increased in CG (+3.84 mm(2)/s) among all women (p=0.011) and among the women aged 65-74 years (-1.65 mm(2)/s and +2.80 mm(2)/s, correspondingly) (p=0.008). In a dynamic test, performance distance tended to decrease in IG (-26.54 mm) and increase in CG (+34.10mm) among all women (p=0.060). The women aged 75 years or over, showed marginally significant differences between the groups as regards changes in performance time (-2.66 s and -0.90 s) (p=0.068) and distance (-92.32 mm and +76.46 mm) (p=0.062) of the dynamic balance test in favor of IG. Men showed no significant differences in the changes between the groups in any balance measures.