Falls Prevention for Visually Impaired Older People

Efficacy of a Tailored Exercise Programme and Home Evaluation for Falls Prevention in Older People With a Visual Impairment

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of an intensive five day falls prevention training programme with a home evaluation and a home exercise programme, compared with a home evaluation and exercise programme alone for reducing incidence of falls and fear of falling, and improving confidence in functional ability and objective balance.

While previous research shows a clear link between visual impairment and increased risk and incidence of falls, as well as fear of falling, there is little research to investigate the effectiveness of falls prevention programmes for visually impaired populations. At the time of writing there were no studies identified that used this type of intensive training over a period of several days, rather most of the studies that exist have been conducted in community settings.

This study will aim to compare the effectiveness of a comprehensive exercise programme aimed at improving balance, walking technique, postural control and ability to complete functional tasks, with a home exercise programme with either written or audio instructions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participant is able to mobilise with or without walking aids or hand-hold
• Participant has history of falls
• Any possible medical or pharmaceutical causes of falls have been investigated and excluded
• Participant has a diagnosed visual impairment
• Participant is aged 65 or over
• Participant's falls can not be attributed purely to their visual impairment
• Participant is a member of Blind Veterans UK
• Participant is physically able to take part in group and individual exercise sessions
• Participant is able to understand and follow verbal and/or written instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participant is under 65 years of age
• Participant is medically unwell or has a medical condition for which exercise is contraindicated
• Participant is currently involved in other falls prevention programmes
• Participant is predominantly a wheelchair user
• Participant is unable to understand or follow instruction from staff in English