This Guangzhou-based project uses a randomized controlled trial to test home environment modifications (e.g., anti-slip mats, lighting) for preventing falls among 320 community-dwelling elders. Over 12 months, it assesses effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and scalability, with rigorous quality control and multi-level stakeholder collaboration.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 60 and 80 years old (inclusive).
• Community-dwelling.
• Planning to reside at the current address for the next 12 months.
• Able to walk 50 meters unaided (can use a cane).
• Experienced one or more falls in the past 2 years, OR Is "very worried" or "somewhat worried" about falling (even without a fall history).
• Willing to participate in the 12-month fall prevention program and follow-up assessments.
• Possesses basic literacy skills (equivalent to elementary school level or above) and is capable of normal communication with the investigators, as judged by the staff.
• In a stable health condition to participate, as determined by the investigator.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having an acute disease or an acute episode of a chronic disease.
• Having hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments, or self-reported neurological or psychiatric diseases (e.g., epilepsy, dementia) that prevent normal communication and learning.
• Self-reported serious diseases (e.g., cardiac, cerebral, renal, hepatic, respiratory, or hematologic systems) and judged by a doctor or on-site assessor as intolerant to physical activity.
• Diagnosed with conditions that explicitly affect balance function (e.g., vestibular disorders, cerebellar system lesions, vertigo, Ménière's disease).
• Requires a wheelchair or assistance from another person to walk.
• Likely to move away from the current residence or be absent for an extended period within the next 6 months.
• Unwilling to accept the 12-month follow-up.

Certainly. Here is a concise English summary of the blinding procedures described in the study protocol.

This study employed a single-blind design. Due to the pragmatic nature of the intervention, which involved home environment assessments and the provision of physical aids, it was not feasible to blind the participating older adults or the personnel delivering the intervention. However, to minimize assessment bias, outcome assessors responsible for collecting follow-up data (e.g., fall incidents, questionnaire responses) and data analysts were blinded to the group allocation (intervention or control) throughout the trial.