The Impact of Floor-Rise Training on Fear of Falling & Floor-Rise Ability in Older Adults Living in the Community.

Introduction

In older adults, the inability to rise independently after a fall increases the risk of long-lies and associated complications. Up to 65% of individuals attended by ambulance crews post-fall are assisted up without requiring further medical intervention. This study investigated the effectiveness of Floor-Rise Training (FRT) in improving floor-rise ability and reducing fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults.

Method

This pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial was conducted within five existing Otago exercise classes. Sixty-one participants aged ≥65 years were enrolled; classes were randomised to FRT (n=28) or control (n=33) in a 3:2 ratio. The FRT group completed five weekly 20-minute sessions using the backwards-chaining method. The control group viewed a demonstration video and joined a discussion, without physical practice. The primary outcome was the Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I). Secondary outcomes included timed floor-rise from supine, sitting, and kneeling; perceived ability to manage a fall (PAMF); fear of falling and activity avoidance (via visual analogue scales); and ability to rise independently from each position.

Results

Forty-nine participants completed follow-up (FRT: n=22; Control: n=27). No significant group differences were found for FES-I, fear of falling, or activity avoidance. The FRT group showed significantly greater improvements in floor-rise time from supine (13.1s to 7.1s, p=0.001), sitting (8.0s to 4.6s, p=0.046), and kneeling (3.9s to 1.5s, p<0.001). PAMF scores improved in the FRT group (p=0.033). After the intervention, 100% of FRT participants could rise from supine, compared to 63% of controls.

Conclusions

A brief, class-based FRT intervention improved floor-rise ability and PAMF in older people already taking part in Otago classes. Incorporating FRT into fall prevention programmes may reduce long-lie risks. Larger, blinded trials are warranted, including people who have not undertaken Otago sessions previously.