Translating a Functional Exercise Program for Fall Prevention among Diverse Older Adults in Urban, Medically Underserved Areas: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Aims

The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a fall prevention exercise program, Diverse Older Adults Doing the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise program (DO LiFE). DO LiFE was developed for a diverse aging population and to improve low adherence to structured exercise.

Methods

Older adults with high fall risk and who resided in medically underserved (MU) U.S. zip codes were assigned to DO-LiFE or the control group. Feasibility outcomes of reach, adherence, fidelity, and acceptance were collected.

Results

DO LiFE established high reach/adherence, could be delivered with fidelity, and had high acceptance. Additional barriers were identified for a revision of DO LiFE before proceeding to a larger study.

Conclusion

Results of this study show that DO LiFE demonstrates good feasibility and lay the foundation for larger-scale studies. Although some unexpected issues may require a revision of DO-LiFE, this evidence-based program is feasible for in-need, diverse aging populations in real-world settings.

Keywords:

• Fall prevention
• exercise
• medically underserved
• older adults

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank the study participants and sites for contributing their time and feedback.

Data availability

The data are available from the authors upon request.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement at Washington University in St. Louis.