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JFSF Vol 5, No 3, September 2020, p.47-52

doi: 10.22540/JFSF-05-047

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Original Article

Feasibility of a novel Judo4Balance – fall preventive exercise programme targeting community-dwelling older adults

Marina Arkkukangas1,2,3, Karin Strömqvist Bååthe4, Julia Hamilton5, Anna Ekholm1, Michail Tonkonogi4

  1. Research and Development in Sörmland, Sweden
  2. Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
  3. Department of Neuroscience, Physiotherapy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
  4. School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Department of Medicine, Sport and Fitness Science, Högskolan Dalarna, Falun, Sweden
  5. Sabbatsbergs Department of Geriatric Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden

Keywords: Older adults, Exercise, Fall accidents, Fall injury, Self-efficacy

Abstract

Objectives: It is of utmost importance to investigate risk factors for falls and learning techniques for falling safely. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a novel judo-inspired exercise intervention for community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We included 28 participants, 60–88 years of age, in this study. In three different settings, the feasibility of carrying out a full-scale study was evaluated by the following: the study process, resource management and scientific aspects. The outcome measures evaluated were physical performance, fall related self-efficacy and fall techniques (backwards and forwards) among the older adults. Results: The intervention was judged to be feasible in the different settings used in this study. Some changes regarding duration of the intervention were suggested as being important. Significant improvements were seen in the selected outcome measures, physical performance (p=.030) and fall techniques (p=<.001). A corresponding difference was not found for fall related self- efficacy (p=.113). Conclusions: This study confirms the judo inspired exercise programme, Judo4Balance, to be a feasible intervention for active older adults. This study will provide a safe and thoroughly planned protocol for the planned study and provides indication of appropriate setting depending on the target group.