This study is an assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of combined Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise and Self-initiated Perturbation-based Balance Training (LiFE-SePBT) on postural stability in community-dwelling older adults with an elevated risk of falling.
Community-dwelling older adults aged 60 or older
Able to communicate effectively in Cantonese or Mandarin
Able to walk independently on level ground for at least 30 minutes
A score of ≥ 6 in the Abbreviated Mental Test (Hong Kong)
Uncorrected vision or hearing impairment
Osteoporosis
Hip or knee replacement within the last year
Resting blood pressure ≥ 160/100 mmHg even with medication taken
Parallel
Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise
BehavioralLifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise and Self-initiated Perturbation-based Balance Exercise (LiFE-SePBT) is a synergistic fall prevention programme. LiFE programme targets generic balance and muscle strength whereas SePBT mainly influences through reactive balance.
Upper limb mobilisation and flexibility training
BehavioralUpper limb mobilisation and flexibility training, including arm circles, deltoid stretches, shoulder internal rotations, etc.
Generic Balance ability
Generic balance ability will be assessed by the Mini-BESTest. Mini-BESTest can challenge balance across anticipatory postural adjustments, postural responses, sensory orientation and stability in gait, allowing for a comprehensive examination of improvements that occur in reactive control.
Number of real-life falls
The number of real-life falls in months after randomization will be recorded. Fall circumstances and related injuries will be required via phone contact. A fall is defined as an event resulting in a person unintentionally coming to rest on the ground or other lower level, not as the result of a major intrinsic event (e.g., syncope, stroke, or overwhelming hazard such as an earthquake).
Dynamic balance
Dynamic balance will be assessed by Alternative Step Test (in the unit of seconds).
Balance confidence
Balance confidence will be measured with the Chinese version of the shortened version of Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC-6). The scale value is from 0 to 100, with higher values representing higher balance confidence.
Functional lower body strength
Functional lower body strength will be assessed by Five-time Sit to Stand Test (in the unit of seconds).
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