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Improving Strength and Balance for Long-Term Care Residents At Risk for Falling: Suggestions for Practice
From the Geriatric Education and Research in Aging Sciences Centre, McMaster University Hamilton, ON (Dr. McArthur) and the University of Waterloo and Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, ON (Dr. Giangregorio), Canada
Abstract
- Objective: To synthesize the available literature on exercise and falls reduction interventions in long-term care (LTC) and provide practical information for clinicians and other decision makers.
- Methods: Review of positive trials included in systematic reviews.
- Results: Falls are a major concern for residents, families, clinicians, and decision-makers in LTC. Exercise is recommended as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC. Strength and balance exercises should be incorporated into the multifactorial falls prevention program. They should be challenging and progressed as the residents’ abilities improve. Evidence suggests that exercises should be completed 2 to 3 times per week for a period longer than 6 months. Exercise programs in LTC should be resident-centered and should consider residents’ potential physical and cognitive impairments. Exercises in standing should be prioritized where appropriate.
- Conclusion: Appropriately challenging and progressive strength and balance exercises should be included in a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC.
Key words: long-term care; nursing homes; falls reduction; exercise.
Falls are common in long-term care (LTC) homes: the estimated falls rate is 1.5 falls per bed per year, which is 3 times greater than that for older adults living in the community [1]. Falls can have significant consequences for residents in LTC, including functional disability, fractures, pain, reduced quality of life, and death [1–6]. Indeed, 25% of residents who are hospitalized after a fall die within 1 year [3]. Consequently, falls prevention programs are important to help in reducing falls and averting the associated negative consequences.
Exercise may address the circumstances and physical deconditioning that often contribute to falls in LTC residents. Weight shifting [7], walking, and transferring [8–10], are common activities that precede falls, suggesting that balance, gait, and functional mobility training may be possible targets for prevention. Additionally, it is estimated that LTC residents spend three quarters of their waking time in sedentary activities [11,12] and have a high prevalence of sarcopenia [13–16]. Challenging balance training and resistance exercise are well-known intervention for reducing falls [17] and improving muscle strength for community-dwelling older adults [18]. However, evidence around balance and strength training for preventing falls in LTC is mixed [17,19,20], and careful planning and modification of exercises is necessary to meet the needs of LTC residents.
Residents in LTC are often medically complex, with multiple comorbidities [21] that can affect their ability to meaningfully participate in exercise. In Canada, 56.3% of residents have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementias, 25.0% have diabetes, 14.4% have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 21.2% have experienced a stroke [21]. Residents also often have significant functional impairments. For example, 97% of residents require assistance with basic activities of daily living [21]. Therefore, the lack of effect of exercise as a single falls prevention strategy observed in previous studies may be because the often complex, multimorbid LTC population likely requires a multifactorial approach to fall prevention [17]. Additionally, organizational aspects of LTC homes (eg, specific funds dedicated to employing exercise professionals and to support exercise programming) can affect residents’ engagement in exercise [22,23]. Subsequently, prescribing exercises in the LTC context must consider both resident characteristics and organizational features of the LTC home (eg, professionals available to support exercise programming).
A comprehensive exercise prescription describes the elements of an appropriate exercise program to facilitate implementation of that program. The exercise prescription should include a description of the type (eg, balance, strength) and intensity of exercises (eg, subjective or objective measurement of how hard the resident is working) included in the program [24]. The prescription should also include a description of the dose of exercise: frequency of exercise participation (eg, 2 days per week), duration of individual exercise sessions (eg, 30-minute sessions), and duration of exercise program (eg, 12-week program) [24]. Lastly, the prescription should describe the setting of the exercise program (eg, group or individual basis) and the professional delivering the program (eg, physiotherapist, fitness instructor) [24].
Therefore, the objectives of this article are to (1) synthesize studies demonstrating a positive effect of exercise on reducing falls for residents in LTC; (2) provide an overview of the principles of balance and strength training to guide clinicians in designing appropriate exercise prescription; and (3) make suggestions for clinical practice regarding an appropriate strength and balance exercise protocol by considering the influence of the LTC context.
Methods
To provide clinicians and other policy-makers with a description of which balance and strength exercises may be effective for preventing falls, we synthesized trials that demonstrated a positive effect on reducing falls or falls risk for residents in LTC. Studies were identified through a database search for systematic reviews in PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar using the keywords falls, long-term care, nursing homes, exercise, strength, balance, and systematic reviews. Our purpose was to provide practical information on what works to prevent falls through balance and strength training for residents in LTC rather than to evaluate the available evidence. Therefore, only positive trials from systematic reviews were discussed, as we wanted to present exercises that seem to have a positive effect on decreasing falls. Positive trials were defined as those included in identified systematic reviews with a risk or rate ratio and confidence intervals below 1.0.
We first provide an overview of the conclusions of the systematic reviews found in our search. Next, for each positive trial we describe the following elements of the exercise component of the intervention: frequency, time of sessions, length of program, intensity, type of exercise including a description of the specific exercises performed, whether the intervention was delivered in a group or on an individual basis, the professional delivering the intervention, and any other features of the intervention aside from the exercise component. We used the ProFaNE taxonomy definitions [25] to identify and describe each element of the exercise interventions. Frequency is the number of times per week that residents engage in sessions, time of sessions is the amount allocated to each exercise session, duration of program is how long the resident participates in the exercise program, and intensity is the subjective or objective report of how hard the resident is working [25]. The types of exercises described were those targeting balance defined as “...the efficient transfer of bodyweight from one part of the body to another or challenges specific aspects of the balance systems (eg, vestibular system)” [25], and strength defined as “...contracting the muscles against a resistance to ‘overload’ and bring about a training effect in the muscular system” [25]. Strength could be either an external resistance (eg, dumbbell) or using body weight against gravity (eg, squat) [25].
Results
We found 3 systematic reviews that include exercise programs to reduce falls in LTC homes [17,19,20]. Overall, evidence suggests that exercise should be included as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC. There is limited evidence that exercise as a single intervention prevents falls, and some trials, albeit underpowered, even demonstrate an increased risk of falling in the exercise group compared to control [19]. With regards to specific exercise programs, the Cochrane review found that gait, balance, and functional training decrease the rate of falls but not the risk of falling [26–28], and the 2013 review by Silva et al [20] concluded that combined exercise programs (ie, multiple types of exercise) that include balance tasks, are completed frequently (2–3 times per week), and over a long term (greater than 6 months) were most effective at preventing falls [20].
A more recent systematic review and meta-analysis [17] also concluded that there was no evidence that exercise as a single intervention can prevent falls for residents in LTC. Table 1 provides a description of the exercise component of the seven positive trials [29–35] that were included in the 3 systematic reviews we identified in our search. 
Type of Exercise
Balance Exercises
There were 4 positive trials that included balance exercises in their intervention [31,33–35]. Trials that had a positive effect on reducing falls and included balance training employed mostly dynamic balance exercises in standing (Table 1). However, only 2 of the 7 trials provided a detailed description of their balance exercises (Table 1) [26,34]. Jensen et al [30] and Dyer et al [31] did not include a description of the balance training performed but stated that balance was part of the multicomponent exercise program. Becker et al [36] stated that participants performed standing balance exercises, while Schnelle et al [39] and Huang et al [32] did not include balance training in their trial.
Strength Exercises
Of the 7 positive trials included in this review, 6 included strength exercises [29–32,34,35]. The strength activities used in trials where exercise had a positive effect on decreasing falls included functional activities [29,31] and progressive resistance training [31,36] (Table 1). Functional activities are those that replicate what a resident might be required to do in their everyday life, such as performing sit-to-stands out of a chair (Figure) 
Frequency, Time of Sessions, Duration of Program
In our description of positive trials, exercise was performed on 2 to 3 days per week for 20 to 75 minutes per session, for periods ranging from 4 to 52 weeks (Table 1).
Intensity
For the trials including balance exercises, one trial described the intensity as resident-specific [37] and another as individualized [33]. Two studies did not describe the intensity of their balance exercises [31,34]. The intensity of strength exercises included in the positive trials was individualized for one of the trial [29]. Two trials had participants complete 2 to 3 sets of 10 repetitions [32,35], with one indicating an intensity of 12–13 or “somewhat difficult” on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale [32] and the other using a 10-rep max [35]. Two studies described their strength exercises as progressive [31,37], and one at a moderate to high intensity [30]. Lord et al prescribed 30 repetitions of each strength exercise [34].
Delivery of Intervention
Exercise was delivered in a group setting for 4 of the trials [31,32,34,36], individually for 2 of the trials [26,29], and the setting was not described for one of the trials (Table 1) [30]. Finally, only 3 of the 7 articles reported the professional delivering the intervention: one was research staff [29], one was geriatric nurses [32], and one was exercise assistants supported by a physiotherapist [31].
Discussion
There is limited evidence to support the use of strength and balance exercise as a single intervention to prevent falls in LTC. However, exercise should be included as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program. Trials that had a positive effect on decreasing falls training used dynamic balance exercises in standing, functional training, and progressive resistance training on 2 to 3 days per week, for 20 to 75 minutes per session, over 4 to 52 weeks. The intensity of balance exercises was individualized, and strength exercises were described as somewhat difficult or performed at a moderate to high intensity. Exercise was performed in a group or individually, and was delivered by research staff, geriatric nurses, exercise assistants supervised by physiotherapists, or more frequently, it was not reported who delivered the intervention.
Balance Training
Our work suggests that standing, dynamic balance exercises may be best to decrease falls. Example balance exercises include reducing the base of support (eg, standing with feet together instead of apart, or tandem with one foot in front), moving the center of gravity and control body position while standing (eg, reaching, weight shifting, stepping up or down), and standing without using arms for support or reducing reliance on the upper limbs for support (eg, use one hand on a handrail instead of two, or two fingers instead of the whole hand) [17]. It is well established that balance training programs, especially those including challenging exercises, can prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults [17]. However, the relationship is not as clear in LTC.
Strength Training
Reduced muscle strength has been identified as an important risk factor for falls [38]. There are also many psychological and metabolic benefits to strength training [39]. To induce change in muscular strength, resistance exercises need to be challenging and progressive. Our work suggests that strength training that is effective at decreasing falls is functional and progressive, and is completed at a moderate to high intensity. A resident should be able to do a strength exercise for one to two sets of 6 to 8 repetitions before being fatigued [40]. Once the resident can complete two sets of 13 to 15 repetitions easily the exercise should be progressed. Residents who are particularly deconditioned may need to begin with lower intensity strength exercises (eg, only do one set, with a lower resistance and progress to a higher resistance) [40]. Residents should perform resistance exercises for all major muscle groups [40]. Progression could include increasing the number of sets (eg, increase from one to two sets), the resistance (eg, holding dumbbells while squatting), or the intensity of the exercise (eg, squat lower or faster) [41].
Implementing Exercise Programs in LTC
Implementation of exercise programs into LTC homes should consider the dose of exercise (eg, time and frequency of sessions, duration of program), if they are delivered in a group or individual setting, and who is delivering them. First, trials included in this paper suggest that strength and balance exercises to prevent falls were delivered 2 to 3 times per week, for 20 to 75 minutes per session, over 4 to 52 weeks. Second, previous work has established that exercise programs delivered on 2 to 3 days per week over a period of more than 6 months are most effective at reducing falls in LTC [20]. Finally, a recent task force report from an international group of clinician researchers in LTC recommends twice weekly exercise sessions lasting 35 to 45 minutes each [40]. Therefore, strength and balance exercises to prevent falls in LTC should be delivered at least twice per week, for at least 20 minutes, for greater than 6 weeks’ duration.
Whether exercise should be performed in a group or individual setting remains unclear. Two of the 6 positive trials in this paper were completed individually, while 3 were in a group. The aforementioned task force also recommended that every resident who does not have contraindications to exercise must have an individualized exercise program as part of their health care plan [40]. However, whether the exercise program is provided on an individual basis or in a group setting was not delineated. Indeed, there are currently no recommendations concerning prioritizing group or individual exercise programs. Therefore, exercise programs being implemented into LTC homes should consider the residents’ preferences, the social benefits of group exercise, and the feasibility of individualizing exercises for the complex needs of residents in LTC in large group settings.
Finally, which professionals should deliver the exercise program is also uncertain. Only 3 of the positive trials in this paper described the professional delivering the intervention, with one being research staff, one geriatric nurses, and one exercise assistants supported by a physiotherapist. We suggest that professionals delivering an exercise program should be trained in exercise planning, delivery, and progression, be familiar with the principles of balance and strength training, and have training in working with older adults in LTC.
Modifications for Physical Impairments
Residents in LTC often have complex health needs, with multiple comorbidities (eg, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis) [21]. Modifications of strength and balance exercises may be required to accommodate for physical impairments (eg, hemiplegia, drop foot, freezing gait). For example, if a resident has hemiplegia and cannot fully activate the muscles of one arm, one can do resistance exercises with a dumbbell on the functioning side and active assisted range of motion (ie, the exercise provider assists the resident to achieve full range of motion against gravity) on the hemiparetic side. A resident with Parkinson’s disease who has freezing gait may need visual or rhythmical verbal cues to be able to accomplish standing balance tasks such as altered walking patterns (eg, wide or narrow stepping) [42].
Modifications for Cognitive Impairments
More than 80% of residents in LTC have some degree of cognitive impairment [21]. Cognitive impairment may be the result of stroke, depression, traumatic injuries, medications, and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease [43]. A common misconception is that residents with cognitive impairment cannot benefit from exercise because they cannot learn new skills and have difficulty following directions. On the contrary, evidence suggests that exercise can improve functional mobility for residents with cognitive impairment [44,45].
Residents with cognitive impairment may require a different approach to facilitate participation in the desired exercises because of difficulty following multi-step directions, responsive behaviors, or increased distractibility [46]. Clear communication is key in improving the quality of interaction for residents with cognitive impairment. The Alzheimer Society of Ontario suggests 10 strategies for communicating with people with dementia [47], and we have provided suggestions of how to apply these communication strategies to the exercise context in LTC (Table 2). Other suggestions for engaging residents with cognitive impairment in strength and balance training include making the exercises functional (eg, ask them to pick something up of the floor to perform a squat, or reach a point on the wall to do calf raises) and playful (eg, toss a ball back and forth or sing a song about rowing to promote weight shifting) [48]. 
Standing versus Seated Exercises
Residents may not be able to participate in standing exercises for several reasons: perhaps the resident cannot stand or has severe balance impairments and a high falls risk; the resident may have poor insight into which exercises are safe to perform in standing versus sitting; or there may be limited supervision of a large group exercise class where the risk of falls is a concern. If balance impairments are a concern, where the risk of injury or falling while completing exercises in standing outweighs the benefit of doing the exercises, then seated exercises are appropriate. However, when residents are able, we recommend encouraging some or all exercises in standing, to facilitate carry over of strength gains into functional tasks such as being able to rise from a chair and walking. A recent study, comparing standing versus seated exercises for community dwelling older adults, saw greater functional gains for those who completed the standing exercises [49]. Therefore, strength and balance exercises should be performed in standing, where appropriate.
Resident-Centered Exercise for Falls Prevention
Putting the resident at the center of falls prevention is important. Previous work has found that older adults have expressed a strong preference for care that transcends traditional biomedical care and that values efficiency, consistency, and hierarchical decision making [50]. On the contrary, resident-centered care emphasizes well-being and quality of life as defined by the resident, values giving residents greater control over the nature of services they receive, and respects their rights to be involved in every day decision making [51,52]. Indeed, residents may choose to engage in risky behaviors that increase their risk of falls but also increases their quality of life. Previous work has found disconnects between residents’ perceived frailty and the potential ability of protective devices to prevent adverse events, such as falls and fractures [53]. Additionally, one study identified that older residents feared being labelled, so instead hid impairments and chose to refuse assistance and assistive devices [54]. For example, a resident with impaired balance and gait may choose to walk independently when they have been deemed as requiring a gait aid (eg, rollator walker). However, they may value walking without a gait aid and accept the increased risk of falling. Therefore, it is essential to find the delicate balance between respecting a resident’s right to make their own decisions and preventing adverse events, such as falls [52]. An example of this would be respecting a resident’s right to refuse to attend exercise programming even though the team may think they can benefit from strength and balance training.
There is limited evidence around falls prevention and resident-centered care. A recent systematic review [55] revealed that resident-centered care may increase falls rates [56,57]. However, the authors of the review attributed the increase in falls to differences in frailty between the control and intervention group [56], and to environmental factors (eg, slippery flooring material, lack of handrails) [57]. Additionally, these trials did not include an exercise program as part of the resident-centered care program. On the other hand, resident-centered care has been associated with reduction of boredom, helplessness, and depression [58,59]. Most studies included in the review were quasi-experimental, which significantly limits the evidence quality [55]. At this point in time, the evidence suggests that resident-centered care is important for mood and quality of life but may have a negative or no effect on reducing falls.
Multifactorial Falls Prevention Programs
While there are mixed results about the effect of exercise as a single intervention for reducing falls for residents in LTC, the literature clearly supports exercise as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program [17,20,60–62]. A 2015 umbrella review [62] of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of falls prevention interventions in LTC concluded that multifactorial interventions were the most effective at preventing falls in LTC. Additionally, recently developed recommendations for fracture prevention in LTC [61] suggest that balance, strength, and functional training should be included for residents who are not at high risk of fracture, while for those at high risk, exercise should be provided as part of a multifactorial falls prevention intervention. Clinicians must therefore incorporate elements aside from exercise into their falls prevention strategies. Interventions that have shown positive effects on reducing falls when delivered as part of multifactorial interventions include: staff and resident education [31,35,37], environmental modifications [31,35], supply/repair/provision of assistive devices [30], falls problem-solving conferences [30], urinary incontinence management [29], medication review [30], optician review [31], and cognitive behavioral therapy [32].
Conclusion and Suggestions for Clinical Practice
We suggest incorporating strength and balance exercises as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC. Balance exercises should be challenging and dynamic (eg, weight shifting). Strength exercises should be of a moderate to high intensity (eg, can complete one to sets of 6 to 8 repetitions) and need to be progressed as the residents’ abilities improve. Residents should participate in strength and balance training on 2 to 3 days per week, for 30- to 45-minute sessions, for at least 6 months. Exercises in standing should be prioritized where appropriate. Exercise could be delivered in a group or individual format, but should consider the residents’ preferences, the social benefits of group exercise, and the feasibility of individualizing exercises for the complex needs of residents in LTC in large group settings. Professionals delivering an exercise program should be trained in exercise planning, delivery, and progression, be familiar with the principles of balance and strength training, and have training in working with older adults in LTC. Exercise programs in LTC should be resident-centered and consider residents’ potential physical and cognitive impairments.
Funding/support: Dr. Giangregorio was supported by grants from the Canadian Frailty Network and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
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From the Geriatric Education and Research in Aging Sciences Centre, McMaster University Hamilton, ON (Dr. McArthur) and the University of Waterloo and Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, ON (Dr. Giangregorio), Canada
Abstract
- Objective: To synthesize the available literature on exercise and falls reduction interventions in long-term care (LTC) and provide practical information for clinicians and other decision makers.
- Methods: Review of positive trials included in systematic reviews.
- Results: Falls are a major concern for residents, families, clinicians, and decision-makers in LTC. Exercise is recommended as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC. Strength and balance exercises should be incorporated into the multifactorial falls prevention program. They should be challenging and progressed as the residents’ abilities improve. Evidence suggests that exercises should be completed 2 to 3 times per week for a period longer than 6 months. Exercise programs in LTC should be resident-centered and should consider residents’ potential physical and cognitive impairments. Exercises in standing should be prioritized where appropriate.
- Conclusion: Appropriately challenging and progressive strength and balance exercises should be included in a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC.
Key words: long-term care; nursing homes; falls reduction; exercise.
Falls are common in long-term care (LTC) homes: the estimated falls rate is 1.5 falls per bed per year, which is 3 times greater than that for older adults living in the community [1]. Falls can have significant consequences for residents in LTC, including functional disability, fractures, pain, reduced quality of life, and death [1–6]. Indeed, 25% of residents who are hospitalized after a fall die within 1 year [3]. Consequently, falls prevention programs are important to help in reducing falls and averting the associated negative consequences.
Exercise may address the circumstances and physical deconditioning that often contribute to falls in LTC residents. Weight shifting [7], walking, and transferring [8–10], are common activities that precede falls, suggesting that balance, gait, and functional mobility training may be possible targets for prevention. Additionally, it is estimated that LTC residents spend three quarters of their waking time in sedentary activities [11,12] and have a high prevalence of sarcopenia [13–16]. Challenging balance training and resistance exercise are well-known intervention for reducing falls [17] and improving muscle strength for community-dwelling older adults [18]. However, evidence around balance and strength training for preventing falls in LTC is mixed [17,19,20], and careful planning and modification of exercises is necessary to meet the needs of LTC residents.
Residents in LTC are often medically complex, with multiple comorbidities [21] that can affect their ability to meaningfully participate in exercise. In Canada, 56.3% of residents have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementias, 25.0% have diabetes, 14.4% have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 21.2% have experienced a stroke [21]. Residents also often have significant functional impairments. For example, 97% of residents require assistance with basic activities of daily living [21]. Therefore, the lack of effect of exercise as a single falls prevention strategy observed in previous studies may be because the often complex, multimorbid LTC population likely requires a multifactorial approach to fall prevention [17]. Additionally, organizational aspects of LTC homes (eg, specific funds dedicated to employing exercise professionals and to support exercise programming) can affect residents’ engagement in exercise [22,23]. Subsequently, prescribing exercises in the LTC context must consider both resident characteristics and organizational features of the LTC home (eg, professionals available to support exercise programming).
A comprehensive exercise prescription describes the elements of an appropriate exercise program to facilitate implementation of that program. The exercise prescription should include a description of the type (eg, balance, strength) and intensity of exercises (eg, subjective or objective measurement of how hard the resident is working) included in the program [24]. The prescription should also include a description of the dose of exercise: frequency of exercise participation (eg, 2 days per week), duration of individual exercise sessions (eg, 30-minute sessions), and duration of exercise program (eg, 12-week program) [24]. Lastly, the prescription should describe the setting of the exercise program (eg, group or individual basis) and the professional delivering the program (eg, physiotherapist, fitness instructor) [24].
Therefore, the objectives of this article are to (1) synthesize studies demonstrating a positive effect of exercise on reducing falls for residents in LTC; (2) provide an overview of the principles of balance and strength training to guide clinicians in designing appropriate exercise prescription; and (3) make suggestions for clinical practice regarding an appropriate strength and balance exercise protocol by considering the influence of the LTC context.
Methods
To provide clinicians and other policy-makers with a description of which balance and strength exercises may be effective for preventing falls, we synthesized trials that demonstrated a positive effect on reducing falls or falls risk for residents in LTC. Studies were identified through a database search for systematic reviews in PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar using the keywords falls, long-term care, nursing homes, exercise, strength, balance, and systematic reviews. Our purpose was to provide practical information on what works to prevent falls through balance and strength training for residents in LTC rather than to evaluate the available evidence. Therefore, only positive trials from systematic reviews were discussed, as we wanted to present exercises that seem to have a positive effect on decreasing falls. Positive trials were defined as those included in identified systematic reviews with a risk or rate ratio and confidence intervals below 1.0.
We first provide an overview of the conclusions of the systematic reviews found in our search. Next, for each positive trial we describe the following elements of the exercise component of the intervention: frequency, time of sessions, length of program, intensity, type of exercise including a description of the specific exercises performed, whether the intervention was delivered in a group or on an individual basis, the professional delivering the intervention, and any other features of the intervention aside from the exercise component. We used the ProFaNE taxonomy definitions [25] to identify and describe each element of the exercise interventions. Frequency is the number of times per week that residents engage in sessions, time of sessions is the amount allocated to each exercise session, duration of program is how long the resident participates in the exercise program, and intensity is the subjective or objective report of how hard the resident is working [25]. The types of exercises described were those targeting balance defined as “...the efficient transfer of bodyweight from one part of the body to another or challenges specific aspects of the balance systems (eg, vestibular system)” [25], and strength defined as “...contracting the muscles against a resistance to ‘overload’ and bring about a training effect in the muscular system” [25]. Strength could be either an external resistance (eg, dumbbell) or using body weight against gravity (eg, squat) [25].
Results
We found 3 systematic reviews that include exercise programs to reduce falls in LTC homes [17,19,20]. Overall, evidence suggests that exercise should be included as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC. There is limited evidence that exercise as a single intervention prevents falls, and some trials, albeit underpowered, even demonstrate an increased risk of falling in the exercise group compared to control [19]. With regards to specific exercise programs, the Cochrane review found that gait, balance, and functional training decrease the rate of falls but not the risk of falling [26–28], and the 2013 review by Silva et al [20] concluded that combined exercise programs (ie, multiple types of exercise) that include balance tasks, are completed frequently (2–3 times per week), and over a long term (greater than 6 months) were most effective at preventing falls [20].
A more recent systematic review and meta-analysis [17] also concluded that there was no evidence that exercise as a single intervention can prevent falls for residents in LTC. Table 1 provides a description of the exercise component of the seven positive trials [29–35] that were included in the 3 systematic reviews we identified in our search.
Type of Exercise
Balance Exercises
There were 4 positive trials that included balance exercises in their intervention [31,33–35]. Trials that had a positive effect on reducing falls and included balance training employed mostly dynamic balance exercises in standing (Table 1). However, only 2 of the 7 trials provided a detailed description of their balance exercises (Table 1) [26,34]. Jensen et al [30] and Dyer et al [31] did not include a description of the balance training performed but stated that balance was part of the multicomponent exercise program. Becker et al [36] stated that participants performed standing balance exercises, while Schnelle et al [39] and Huang et al [32] did not include balance training in their trial.
Strength Exercises
Of the 7 positive trials included in this review, 6 included strength exercises [29–32,34,35]. The strength activities used in trials where exercise had a positive effect on decreasing falls included functional activities [29,31] and progressive resistance training [31,36] (Table 1). Functional activities are those that replicate what a resident might be required to do in their everyday life, such as performing sit-to-stands out of a chair (Figure)
Frequency, Time of Sessions, Duration of Program
In our description of positive trials, exercise was performed on 2 to 3 days per week for 20 to 75 minutes per session, for periods ranging from 4 to 52 weeks (Table 1).
Intensity
For the trials including balance exercises, one trial described the intensity as resident-specific [37] and another as individualized [33]. Two studies did not describe the intensity of their balance exercises [31,34]. The intensity of strength exercises included in the positive trials was individualized for one of the trial [29]. Two trials had participants complete 2 to 3 sets of 10 repetitions [32,35], with one indicating an intensity of 12–13 or “somewhat difficult” on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale [32] and the other using a 10-rep max [35]. Two studies described their strength exercises as progressive [31,37], and one at a moderate to high intensity [30]. Lord et al prescribed 30 repetitions of each strength exercise [34].
Delivery of Intervention
Exercise was delivered in a group setting for 4 of the trials [31,32,34,36], individually for 2 of the trials [26,29], and the setting was not described for one of the trials (Table 1) [30]. Finally, only 3 of the 7 articles reported the professional delivering the intervention: one was research staff [29], one was geriatric nurses [32], and one was exercise assistants supported by a physiotherapist [31].
Discussion
There is limited evidence to support the use of strength and balance exercise as a single intervention to prevent falls in LTC. However, exercise should be included as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program. Trials that had a positive effect on decreasing falls training used dynamic balance exercises in standing, functional training, and progressive resistance training on 2 to 3 days per week, for 20 to 75 minutes per session, over 4 to 52 weeks. The intensity of balance exercises was individualized, and strength exercises were described as somewhat difficult or performed at a moderate to high intensity. Exercise was performed in a group or individually, and was delivered by research staff, geriatric nurses, exercise assistants supervised by physiotherapists, or more frequently, it was not reported who delivered the intervention.
Balance Training
Our work suggests that standing, dynamic balance exercises may be best to decrease falls. Example balance exercises include reducing the base of support (eg, standing with feet together instead of apart, or tandem with one foot in front), moving the center of gravity and control body position while standing (eg, reaching, weight shifting, stepping up or down), and standing without using arms for support or reducing reliance on the upper limbs for support (eg, use one hand on a handrail instead of two, or two fingers instead of the whole hand) [17]. It is well established that balance training programs, especially those including challenging exercises, can prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults [17]. However, the relationship is not as clear in LTC.
Strength Training
Reduced muscle strength has been identified as an important risk factor for falls [38]. There are also many psychological and metabolic benefits to strength training [39]. To induce change in muscular strength, resistance exercises need to be challenging and progressive. Our work suggests that strength training that is effective at decreasing falls is functional and progressive, and is completed at a moderate to high intensity. A resident should be able to do a strength exercise for one to two sets of 6 to 8 repetitions before being fatigued [40]. Once the resident can complete two sets of 13 to 15 repetitions easily the exercise should be progressed. Residents who are particularly deconditioned may need to begin with lower intensity strength exercises (eg, only do one set, with a lower resistance and progress to a higher resistance) [40]. Residents should perform resistance exercises for all major muscle groups [40]. Progression could include increasing the number of sets (eg, increase from one to two sets), the resistance (eg, holding dumbbells while squatting), or the intensity of the exercise (eg, squat lower or faster) [41].
Implementing Exercise Programs in LTC
Implementation of exercise programs into LTC homes should consider the dose of exercise (eg, time and frequency of sessions, duration of program), if they are delivered in a group or individual setting, and who is delivering them. First, trials included in this paper suggest that strength and balance exercises to prevent falls were delivered 2 to 3 times per week, for 20 to 75 minutes per session, over 4 to 52 weeks. Second, previous work has established that exercise programs delivered on 2 to 3 days per week over a period of more than 6 months are most effective at reducing falls in LTC [20]. Finally, a recent task force report from an international group of clinician researchers in LTC recommends twice weekly exercise sessions lasting 35 to 45 minutes each [40]. Therefore, strength and balance exercises to prevent falls in LTC should be delivered at least twice per week, for at least 20 minutes, for greater than 6 weeks’ duration.
Whether exercise should be performed in a group or individual setting remains unclear. Two of the 6 positive trials in this paper were completed individually, while 3 were in a group. The aforementioned task force also recommended that every resident who does not have contraindications to exercise must have an individualized exercise program as part of their health care plan [40]. However, whether the exercise program is provided on an individual basis or in a group setting was not delineated. Indeed, there are currently no recommendations concerning prioritizing group or individual exercise programs. Therefore, exercise programs being implemented into LTC homes should consider the residents’ preferences, the social benefits of group exercise, and the feasibility of individualizing exercises for the complex needs of residents in LTC in large group settings.
Finally, which professionals should deliver the exercise program is also uncertain. Only 3 of the positive trials in this paper described the professional delivering the intervention, with one being research staff, one geriatric nurses, and one exercise assistants supported by a physiotherapist. We suggest that professionals delivering an exercise program should be trained in exercise planning, delivery, and progression, be familiar with the principles of balance and strength training, and have training in working with older adults in LTC.
Modifications for Physical Impairments
Residents in LTC often have complex health needs, with multiple comorbidities (eg, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis) [21]. Modifications of strength and balance exercises may be required to accommodate for physical impairments (eg, hemiplegia, drop foot, freezing gait). For example, if a resident has hemiplegia and cannot fully activate the muscles of one arm, one can do resistance exercises with a dumbbell on the functioning side and active assisted range of motion (ie, the exercise provider assists the resident to achieve full range of motion against gravity) on the hemiparetic side. A resident with Parkinson’s disease who has freezing gait may need visual or rhythmical verbal cues to be able to accomplish standing balance tasks such as altered walking patterns (eg, wide or narrow stepping) [42].
Modifications for Cognitive Impairments
More than 80% of residents in LTC have some degree of cognitive impairment [21]. Cognitive impairment may be the result of stroke, depression, traumatic injuries, medications, and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease [43]. A common misconception is that residents with cognitive impairment cannot benefit from exercise because they cannot learn new skills and have difficulty following directions. On the contrary, evidence suggests that exercise can improve functional mobility for residents with cognitive impairment [44,45].
Residents with cognitive impairment may require a different approach to facilitate participation in the desired exercises because of difficulty following multi-step directions, responsive behaviors, or increased distractibility [46]. Clear communication is key in improving the quality of interaction for residents with cognitive impairment. The Alzheimer Society of Ontario suggests 10 strategies for communicating with people with dementia [47], and we have provided suggestions of how to apply these communication strategies to the exercise context in LTC (Table 2). Other suggestions for engaging residents with cognitive impairment in strength and balance training include making the exercises functional (eg, ask them to pick something up of the floor to perform a squat, or reach a point on the wall to do calf raises) and playful (eg, toss a ball back and forth or sing a song about rowing to promote weight shifting) [48].
Standing versus Seated Exercises
Residents may not be able to participate in standing exercises for several reasons: perhaps the resident cannot stand or has severe balance impairments and a high falls risk; the resident may have poor insight into which exercises are safe to perform in standing versus sitting; or there may be limited supervision of a large group exercise class where the risk of falls is a concern. If balance impairments are a concern, where the risk of injury or falling while completing exercises in standing outweighs the benefit of doing the exercises, then seated exercises are appropriate. However, when residents are able, we recommend encouraging some or all exercises in standing, to facilitate carry over of strength gains into functional tasks such as being able to rise from a chair and walking. A recent study, comparing standing versus seated exercises for community dwelling older adults, saw greater functional gains for those who completed the standing exercises [49]. Therefore, strength and balance exercises should be performed in standing, where appropriate.
Resident-Centered Exercise for Falls Prevention
Putting the resident at the center of falls prevention is important. Previous work has found that older adults have expressed a strong preference for care that transcends traditional biomedical care and that values efficiency, consistency, and hierarchical decision making [50]. On the contrary, resident-centered care emphasizes well-being and quality of life as defined by the resident, values giving residents greater control over the nature of services they receive, and respects their rights to be involved in every day decision making [51,52]. Indeed, residents may choose to engage in risky behaviors that increase their risk of falls but also increases their quality of life. Previous work has found disconnects between residents’ perceived frailty and the potential ability of protective devices to prevent adverse events, such as falls and fractures [53]. Additionally, one study identified that older residents feared being labelled, so instead hid impairments and chose to refuse assistance and assistive devices [54]. For example, a resident with impaired balance and gait may choose to walk independently when they have been deemed as requiring a gait aid (eg, rollator walker). However, they may value walking without a gait aid and accept the increased risk of falling. Therefore, it is essential to find the delicate balance between respecting a resident’s right to make their own decisions and preventing adverse events, such as falls [52]. An example of this would be respecting a resident’s right to refuse to attend exercise programming even though the team may think they can benefit from strength and balance training.
There is limited evidence around falls prevention and resident-centered care. A recent systematic review [55] revealed that resident-centered care may increase falls rates [56,57]. However, the authors of the review attributed the increase in falls to differences in frailty between the control and intervention group [56], and to environmental factors (eg, slippery flooring material, lack of handrails) [57]. Additionally, these trials did not include an exercise program as part of the resident-centered care program. On the other hand, resident-centered care has been associated with reduction of boredom, helplessness, and depression [58,59]. Most studies included in the review were quasi-experimental, which significantly limits the evidence quality [55]. At this point in time, the evidence suggests that resident-centered care is important for mood and quality of life but may have a negative or no effect on reducing falls.
Multifactorial Falls Prevention Programs
While there are mixed results about the effect of exercise as a single intervention for reducing falls for residents in LTC, the literature clearly supports exercise as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program [17,20,60–62]. A 2015 umbrella review [62] of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of falls prevention interventions in LTC concluded that multifactorial interventions were the most effective at preventing falls in LTC. Additionally, recently developed recommendations for fracture prevention in LTC [61] suggest that balance, strength, and functional training should be included for residents who are not at high risk of fracture, while for those at high risk, exercise should be provided as part of a multifactorial falls prevention intervention. Clinicians must therefore incorporate elements aside from exercise into their falls prevention strategies. Interventions that have shown positive effects on reducing falls when delivered as part of multifactorial interventions include: staff and resident education [31,35,37], environmental modifications [31,35], supply/repair/provision of assistive devices [30], falls problem-solving conferences [30], urinary incontinence management [29], medication review [30], optician review [31], and cognitive behavioral therapy [32].
Conclusion and Suggestions for Clinical Practice
We suggest incorporating strength and balance exercises as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC. Balance exercises should be challenging and dynamic (eg, weight shifting). Strength exercises should be of a moderate to high intensity (eg, can complete one to sets of 6 to 8 repetitions) and need to be progressed as the residents’ abilities improve. Residents should participate in strength and balance training on 2 to 3 days per week, for 30- to 45-minute sessions, for at least 6 months. Exercises in standing should be prioritized where appropriate. Exercise could be delivered in a group or individual format, but should consider the residents’ preferences, the social benefits of group exercise, and the feasibility of individualizing exercises for the complex needs of residents in LTC in large group settings. Professionals delivering an exercise program should be trained in exercise planning, delivery, and progression, be familiar with the principles of balance and strength training, and have training in working with older adults in LTC. Exercise programs in LTC should be resident-centered and consider residents’ potential physical and cognitive impairments.
Funding/support: Dr. Giangregorio was supported by grants from the Canadian Frailty Network and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
From the Geriatric Education and Research in Aging Sciences Centre, McMaster University Hamilton, ON (Dr. McArthur) and the University of Waterloo and Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, ON (Dr. Giangregorio), Canada
Abstract
- Objective: To synthesize the available literature on exercise and falls reduction interventions in long-term care (LTC) and provide practical information for clinicians and other decision makers.
- Methods: Review of positive trials included in systematic reviews.
- Results: Falls are a major concern for residents, families, clinicians, and decision-makers in LTC. Exercise is recommended as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC. Strength and balance exercises should be incorporated into the multifactorial falls prevention program. They should be challenging and progressed as the residents’ abilities improve. Evidence suggests that exercises should be completed 2 to 3 times per week for a period longer than 6 months. Exercise programs in LTC should be resident-centered and should consider residents’ potential physical and cognitive impairments. Exercises in standing should be prioritized where appropriate.
- Conclusion: Appropriately challenging and progressive strength and balance exercises should be included in a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC.
Key words: long-term care; nursing homes; falls reduction; exercise.
Falls are common in long-term care (LTC) homes: the estimated falls rate is 1.5 falls per bed per year, which is 3 times greater than that for older adults living in the community [1]. Falls can have significant consequences for residents in LTC, including functional disability, fractures, pain, reduced quality of life, and death [1–6]. Indeed, 25% of residents who are hospitalized after a fall die within 1 year [3]. Consequently, falls prevention programs are important to help in reducing falls and averting the associated negative consequences.
Exercise may address the circumstances and physical deconditioning that often contribute to falls in LTC residents. Weight shifting [7], walking, and transferring [8–10], are common activities that precede falls, suggesting that balance, gait, and functional mobility training may be possible targets for prevention. Additionally, it is estimated that LTC residents spend three quarters of their waking time in sedentary activities [11,12] and have a high prevalence of sarcopenia [13–16]. Challenging balance training and resistance exercise are well-known intervention for reducing falls [17] and improving muscle strength for community-dwelling older adults [18]. However, evidence around balance and strength training for preventing falls in LTC is mixed [17,19,20], and careful planning and modification of exercises is necessary to meet the needs of LTC residents.
Residents in LTC are often medically complex, with multiple comorbidities [21] that can affect their ability to meaningfully participate in exercise. In Canada, 56.3% of residents have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementias, 25.0% have diabetes, 14.4% have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 21.2% have experienced a stroke [21]. Residents also often have significant functional impairments. For example, 97% of residents require assistance with basic activities of daily living [21]. Therefore, the lack of effect of exercise as a single falls prevention strategy observed in previous studies may be because the often complex, multimorbid LTC population likely requires a multifactorial approach to fall prevention [17]. Additionally, organizational aspects of LTC homes (eg, specific funds dedicated to employing exercise professionals and to support exercise programming) can affect residents’ engagement in exercise [22,23]. Subsequently, prescribing exercises in the LTC context must consider both resident characteristics and organizational features of the LTC home (eg, professionals available to support exercise programming).
A comprehensive exercise prescription describes the elements of an appropriate exercise program to facilitate implementation of that program. The exercise prescription should include a description of the type (eg, balance, strength) and intensity of exercises (eg, subjective or objective measurement of how hard the resident is working) included in the program [24]. The prescription should also include a description of the dose of exercise: frequency of exercise participation (eg, 2 days per week), duration of individual exercise sessions (eg, 30-minute sessions), and duration of exercise program (eg, 12-week program) [24]. Lastly, the prescription should describe the setting of the exercise program (eg, group or individual basis) and the professional delivering the program (eg, physiotherapist, fitness instructor) [24].
Therefore, the objectives of this article are to (1) synthesize studies demonstrating a positive effect of exercise on reducing falls for residents in LTC; (2) provide an overview of the principles of balance and strength training to guide clinicians in designing appropriate exercise prescription; and (3) make suggestions for clinical practice regarding an appropriate strength and balance exercise protocol by considering the influence of the LTC context.
Methods
To provide clinicians and other policy-makers with a description of which balance and strength exercises may be effective for preventing falls, we synthesized trials that demonstrated a positive effect on reducing falls or falls risk for residents in LTC. Studies were identified through a database search for systematic reviews in PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar using the keywords falls, long-term care, nursing homes, exercise, strength, balance, and systematic reviews. Our purpose was to provide practical information on what works to prevent falls through balance and strength training for residents in LTC rather than to evaluate the available evidence. Therefore, only positive trials from systematic reviews were discussed, as we wanted to present exercises that seem to have a positive effect on decreasing falls. Positive trials were defined as those included in identified systematic reviews with a risk or rate ratio and confidence intervals below 1.0.
We first provide an overview of the conclusions of the systematic reviews found in our search. Next, for each positive trial we describe the following elements of the exercise component of the intervention: frequency, time of sessions, length of program, intensity, type of exercise including a description of the specific exercises performed, whether the intervention was delivered in a group or on an individual basis, the professional delivering the intervention, and any other features of the intervention aside from the exercise component. We used the ProFaNE taxonomy definitions [25] to identify and describe each element of the exercise interventions. Frequency is the number of times per week that residents engage in sessions, time of sessions is the amount allocated to each exercise session, duration of program is how long the resident participates in the exercise program, and intensity is the subjective or objective report of how hard the resident is working [25]. The types of exercises described were those targeting balance defined as “...the efficient transfer of bodyweight from one part of the body to another or challenges specific aspects of the balance systems (eg, vestibular system)” [25], and strength defined as “...contracting the muscles against a resistance to ‘overload’ and bring about a training effect in the muscular system” [25]. Strength could be either an external resistance (eg, dumbbell) or using body weight against gravity (eg, squat) [25].
Results
We found 3 systematic reviews that include exercise programs to reduce falls in LTC homes [17,19,20]. Overall, evidence suggests that exercise should be included as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC. There is limited evidence that exercise as a single intervention prevents falls, and some trials, albeit underpowered, even demonstrate an increased risk of falling in the exercise group compared to control [19]. With regards to specific exercise programs, the Cochrane review found that gait, balance, and functional training decrease the rate of falls but not the risk of falling [26–28], and the 2013 review by Silva et al [20] concluded that combined exercise programs (ie, multiple types of exercise) that include balance tasks, are completed frequently (2–3 times per week), and over a long term (greater than 6 months) were most effective at preventing falls [20].
A more recent systematic review and meta-analysis [17] also concluded that there was no evidence that exercise as a single intervention can prevent falls for residents in LTC. Table 1 provides a description of the exercise component of the seven positive trials [29–35] that were included in the 3 systematic reviews we identified in our search.
Type of Exercise
Balance Exercises
There were 4 positive trials that included balance exercises in their intervention [31,33–35]. Trials that had a positive effect on reducing falls and included balance training employed mostly dynamic balance exercises in standing (Table 1). However, only 2 of the 7 trials provided a detailed description of their balance exercises (Table 1) [26,34]. Jensen et al [30] and Dyer et al [31] did not include a description of the balance training performed but stated that balance was part of the multicomponent exercise program. Becker et al [36] stated that participants performed standing balance exercises, while Schnelle et al [39] and Huang et al [32] did not include balance training in their trial.
Strength Exercises
Of the 7 positive trials included in this review, 6 included strength exercises [29–32,34,35]. The strength activities used in trials where exercise had a positive effect on decreasing falls included functional activities [29,31] and progressive resistance training [31,36] (Table 1). Functional activities are those that replicate what a resident might be required to do in their everyday life, such as performing sit-to-stands out of a chair (Figure)
Frequency, Time of Sessions, Duration of Program
In our description of positive trials, exercise was performed on 2 to 3 days per week for 20 to 75 minutes per session, for periods ranging from 4 to 52 weeks (Table 1).
Intensity
For the trials including balance exercises, one trial described the intensity as resident-specific [37] and another as individualized [33]. Two studies did not describe the intensity of their balance exercises [31,34]. The intensity of strength exercises included in the positive trials was individualized for one of the trial [29]. Two trials had participants complete 2 to 3 sets of 10 repetitions [32,35], with one indicating an intensity of 12–13 or “somewhat difficult” on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale [32] and the other using a 10-rep max [35]. Two studies described their strength exercises as progressive [31,37], and one at a moderate to high intensity [30]. Lord et al prescribed 30 repetitions of each strength exercise [34].
Delivery of Intervention
Exercise was delivered in a group setting for 4 of the trials [31,32,34,36], individually for 2 of the trials [26,29], and the setting was not described for one of the trials (Table 1) [30]. Finally, only 3 of the 7 articles reported the professional delivering the intervention: one was research staff [29], one was geriatric nurses [32], and one was exercise assistants supported by a physiotherapist [31].
Discussion
There is limited evidence to support the use of strength and balance exercise as a single intervention to prevent falls in LTC. However, exercise should be included as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program. Trials that had a positive effect on decreasing falls training used dynamic balance exercises in standing, functional training, and progressive resistance training on 2 to 3 days per week, for 20 to 75 minutes per session, over 4 to 52 weeks. The intensity of balance exercises was individualized, and strength exercises were described as somewhat difficult or performed at a moderate to high intensity. Exercise was performed in a group or individually, and was delivered by research staff, geriatric nurses, exercise assistants supervised by physiotherapists, or more frequently, it was not reported who delivered the intervention.
Balance Training
Our work suggests that standing, dynamic balance exercises may be best to decrease falls. Example balance exercises include reducing the base of support (eg, standing with feet together instead of apart, or tandem with one foot in front), moving the center of gravity and control body position while standing (eg, reaching, weight shifting, stepping up or down), and standing without using arms for support or reducing reliance on the upper limbs for support (eg, use one hand on a handrail instead of two, or two fingers instead of the whole hand) [17]. It is well established that balance training programs, especially those including challenging exercises, can prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults [17]. However, the relationship is not as clear in LTC.
Strength Training
Reduced muscle strength has been identified as an important risk factor for falls [38]. There are also many psychological and metabolic benefits to strength training [39]. To induce change in muscular strength, resistance exercises need to be challenging and progressive. Our work suggests that strength training that is effective at decreasing falls is functional and progressive, and is completed at a moderate to high intensity. A resident should be able to do a strength exercise for one to two sets of 6 to 8 repetitions before being fatigued [40]. Once the resident can complete two sets of 13 to 15 repetitions easily the exercise should be progressed. Residents who are particularly deconditioned may need to begin with lower intensity strength exercises (eg, only do one set, with a lower resistance and progress to a higher resistance) [40]. Residents should perform resistance exercises for all major muscle groups [40]. Progression could include increasing the number of sets (eg, increase from one to two sets), the resistance (eg, holding dumbbells while squatting), or the intensity of the exercise (eg, squat lower or faster) [41].
Implementing Exercise Programs in LTC
Implementation of exercise programs into LTC homes should consider the dose of exercise (eg, time and frequency of sessions, duration of program), if they are delivered in a group or individual setting, and who is delivering them. First, trials included in this paper suggest that strength and balance exercises to prevent falls were delivered 2 to 3 times per week, for 20 to 75 minutes per session, over 4 to 52 weeks. Second, previous work has established that exercise programs delivered on 2 to 3 days per week over a period of more than 6 months are most effective at reducing falls in LTC [20]. Finally, a recent task force report from an international group of clinician researchers in LTC recommends twice weekly exercise sessions lasting 35 to 45 minutes each [40]. Therefore, strength and balance exercises to prevent falls in LTC should be delivered at least twice per week, for at least 20 minutes, for greater than 6 weeks’ duration.
Whether exercise should be performed in a group or individual setting remains unclear. Two of the 6 positive trials in this paper were completed individually, while 3 were in a group. The aforementioned task force also recommended that every resident who does not have contraindications to exercise must have an individualized exercise program as part of their health care plan [40]. However, whether the exercise program is provided on an individual basis or in a group setting was not delineated. Indeed, there are currently no recommendations concerning prioritizing group or individual exercise programs. Therefore, exercise programs being implemented into LTC homes should consider the residents’ preferences, the social benefits of group exercise, and the feasibility of individualizing exercises for the complex needs of residents in LTC in large group settings.
Finally, which professionals should deliver the exercise program is also uncertain. Only 3 of the positive trials in this paper described the professional delivering the intervention, with one being research staff, one geriatric nurses, and one exercise assistants supported by a physiotherapist. We suggest that professionals delivering an exercise program should be trained in exercise planning, delivery, and progression, be familiar with the principles of balance and strength training, and have training in working with older adults in LTC.
Modifications for Physical Impairments
Residents in LTC often have complex health needs, with multiple comorbidities (eg, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis) [21]. Modifications of strength and balance exercises may be required to accommodate for physical impairments (eg, hemiplegia, drop foot, freezing gait). For example, if a resident has hemiplegia and cannot fully activate the muscles of one arm, one can do resistance exercises with a dumbbell on the functioning side and active assisted range of motion (ie, the exercise provider assists the resident to achieve full range of motion against gravity) on the hemiparetic side. A resident with Parkinson’s disease who has freezing gait may need visual or rhythmical verbal cues to be able to accomplish standing balance tasks such as altered walking patterns (eg, wide or narrow stepping) [42].
Modifications for Cognitive Impairments
More than 80% of residents in LTC have some degree of cognitive impairment [21]. Cognitive impairment may be the result of stroke, depression, traumatic injuries, medications, and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease [43]. A common misconception is that residents with cognitive impairment cannot benefit from exercise because they cannot learn new skills and have difficulty following directions. On the contrary, evidence suggests that exercise can improve functional mobility for residents with cognitive impairment [44,45].
Residents with cognitive impairment may require a different approach to facilitate participation in the desired exercises because of difficulty following multi-step directions, responsive behaviors, or increased distractibility [46]. Clear communication is key in improving the quality of interaction for residents with cognitive impairment. The Alzheimer Society of Ontario suggests 10 strategies for communicating with people with dementia [47], and we have provided suggestions of how to apply these communication strategies to the exercise context in LTC (Table 2). Other suggestions for engaging residents with cognitive impairment in strength and balance training include making the exercises functional (eg, ask them to pick something up of the floor to perform a squat, or reach a point on the wall to do calf raises) and playful (eg, toss a ball back and forth or sing a song about rowing to promote weight shifting) [48].
Standing versus Seated Exercises
Residents may not be able to participate in standing exercises for several reasons: perhaps the resident cannot stand or has severe balance impairments and a high falls risk; the resident may have poor insight into which exercises are safe to perform in standing versus sitting; or there may be limited supervision of a large group exercise class where the risk of falls is a concern. If balance impairments are a concern, where the risk of injury or falling while completing exercises in standing outweighs the benefit of doing the exercises, then seated exercises are appropriate. However, when residents are able, we recommend encouraging some or all exercises in standing, to facilitate carry over of strength gains into functional tasks such as being able to rise from a chair and walking. A recent study, comparing standing versus seated exercises for community dwelling older adults, saw greater functional gains for those who completed the standing exercises [49]. Therefore, strength and balance exercises should be performed in standing, where appropriate.
Resident-Centered Exercise for Falls Prevention
Putting the resident at the center of falls prevention is important. Previous work has found that older adults have expressed a strong preference for care that transcends traditional biomedical care and that values efficiency, consistency, and hierarchical decision making [50]. On the contrary, resident-centered care emphasizes well-being and quality of life as defined by the resident, values giving residents greater control over the nature of services they receive, and respects their rights to be involved in every day decision making [51,52]. Indeed, residents may choose to engage in risky behaviors that increase their risk of falls but also increases their quality of life. Previous work has found disconnects between residents’ perceived frailty and the potential ability of protective devices to prevent adverse events, such as falls and fractures [53]. Additionally, one study identified that older residents feared being labelled, so instead hid impairments and chose to refuse assistance and assistive devices [54]. For example, a resident with impaired balance and gait may choose to walk independently when they have been deemed as requiring a gait aid (eg, rollator walker). However, they may value walking without a gait aid and accept the increased risk of falling. Therefore, it is essential to find the delicate balance between respecting a resident’s right to make their own decisions and preventing adverse events, such as falls [52]. An example of this would be respecting a resident’s right to refuse to attend exercise programming even though the team may think they can benefit from strength and balance training.
There is limited evidence around falls prevention and resident-centered care. A recent systematic review [55] revealed that resident-centered care may increase falls rates [56,57]. However, the authors of the review attributed the increase in falls to differences in frailty between the control and intervention group [56], and to environmental factors (eg, slippery flooring material, lack of handrails) [57]. Additionally, these trials did not include an exercise program as part of the resident-centered care program. On the other hand, resident-centered care has been associated with reduction of boredom, helplessness, and depression [58,59]. Most studies included in the review were quasi-experimental, which significantly limits the evidence quality [55]. At this point in time, the evidence suggests that resident-centered care is important for mood and quality of life but may have a negative or no effect on reducing falls.
Multifactorial Falls Prevention Programs
While there are mixed results about the effect of exercise as a single intervention for reducing falls for residents in LTC, the literature clearly supports exercise as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program [17,20,60–62]. A 2015 umbrella review [62] of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of falls prevention interventions in LTC concluded that multifactorial interventions were the most effective at preventing falls in LTC. Additionally, recently developed recommendations for fracture prevention in LTC [61] suggest that balance, strength, and functional training should be included for residents who are not at high risk of fracture, while for those at high risk, exercise should be provided as part of a multifactorial falls prevention intervention. Clinicians must therefore incorporate elements aside from exercise into their falls prevention strategies. Interventions that have shown positive effects on reducing falls when delivered as part of multifactorial interventions include: staff and resident education [31,35,37], environmental modifications [31,35], supply/repair/provision of assistive devices [30], falls problem-solving conferences [30], urinary incontinence management [29], medication review [30], optician review [31], and cognitive behavioral therapy [32].
Conclusion and Suggestions for Clinical Practice
We suggest incorporating strength and balance exercises as part of a multifactorial falls prevention program for residents in LTC. Balance exercises should be challenging and dynamic (eg, weight shifting). Strength exercises should be of a moderate to high intensity (eg, can complete one to sets of 6 to 8 repetitions) and need to be progressed as the residents’ abilities improve. Residents should participate in strength and balance training on 2 to 3 days per week, for 30- to 45-minute sessions, for at least 6 months. Exercises in standing should be prioritized where appropriate. Exercise could be delivered in a group or individual format, but should consider the residents’ preferences, the social benefits of group exercise, and the feasibility of individualizing exercises for the complex needs of residents in LTC in large group settings. Professionals delivering an exercise program should be trained in exercise planning, delivery, and progression, be familiar with the principles of balance and strength training, and have training in working with older adults in LTC. Exercise programs in LTC should be resident-centered and consider residents’ potential physical and cognitive impairments.
Funding/support: Dr. Giangregorio was supported by grants from the Canadian Frailty Network and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
1. Harris IA, Yong S, McEvoy L, Thorn L. A prospective study of the effect of nursing home residency on mortality following hip fracture. ANZ J Surg 2010;80:447–50.
2. Ooms ME, Vlasman P, Lips P, et al. The incidence of hip fractures in independent and institutionalized elderly people. Osteoporos Int 1994;4:6–10.
3. Ayoung-Chee P, McIntyre L, Ebel BE, et al. Long-term outcomes of ground-level falls in the elderly. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2014;76:498–503.
4. Heinrich S, Rapp K, Rissmann U, et al. Cost of falls in old age: a systematic review. Osteoporos Int 2010;21: 891–902.
5. Rubenstein LZ, Josephson KR, Robbins AS. Falls in the nursing home. Ann Intern Med 1994;121:442–51.
6. Hartholt KA, van Beeck EF, Polinder S, et al. Societal consequences of falls in the older population: injuries, healthcare costs, and long-term reduced quality of life. J Trauma
2011;71:748–53.
7. Robinovitch SN, Feldman F, Yang Y, et al. Video capture of the circumstances of falls in elderly people residing in long-term care: an observational study. Lancet 2013;381:
47–54.
8. Rapp K, Becker C, Cameron ID, et al. Epidemiology of falls in residential aged care: analysis of more than 70,000 falls from residents of bavarian nursing homes. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2012;13:187.
9. Büchele G, Becker C, Cameron ID, et al. Predictors of serious consequences of falls in residential aged care: analysis of more than 70,000 falls from residents of Bavarian nursing homes. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2014;15:559–63.
10. McArthur C, Gonzalez DA, Roy E, Giangregorio L. What are the circumstances of falls and fractures in long-term care? Can J Aging / La Rev Can du Vieil 2016;35:491–8.
11. Chin A Paw MJM, van Poppel MNM, van Mechelen W. Effects of resistance and functional-skills training on habitual activity and constipation among older adults living in long-term care facilities: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr 2006;6:9.
12. Ikezoe T, Asakawa Y, Shima H, et al. Daytime physical activity patterns and physical fitness in institutionalized elderly women: an exploratory study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2013;57:221–5.
13. Senior HE, Henwood TR, Beller EM, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia among adults living in nursing homes. Maturitas 2015;82:418–23.
14. Smoliner C, Sieber CC, Wirth R. Prevalence of sarcopenia in geriatric hospitalized patients. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2014;15:267–72.
15. Landi F, Liperoti R, Fusco D, et al. Sarcopenia and mortality among older nursing home residents. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2012;13:121–6.
16. Yalcin A, Aras S, Atmis V, et al. Sarcopenia prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in older people living in a nursing home in Ankara Turkey. Geriatr Gerontol Int
2016;16:903–10.
17. Sherrington C, Michaleff ZA, Fairhall N, et al. Exercise to prevent falls in older adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med October 2016.
18. Liu C, Latham NK. Progressive resistance strength training for improving physical function in older adults. In: Liu C, ed. Cochrane Database Syst Rev;2009:CD002759.
19. Cameron ID, Gillespie LD, Robertson MC, et al. Interventions for preventing falls in older people in care facilities and hospitals. Cochrane Database Syst Rev;2012:CD005465.
20. Silva RB, Eslick GD, Duque G. Exercise for falls and fracture prevention in long term care facilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2013;14:685–9.
21. Hirdes JP, Mitchell L, Maxwell CJ, White N. Beyond the “iron lungs of gerontology”: Using evidence to shape the future of nursing homes in Canada. Can J Aging 2011;30: 371–90.
22. Benjamin K, Edwards N, Guitard P, et al. Factors that influence physical activity in long-term care: Perspectives of residents, staff, and significant others. Can J Aging 2011;30:247–58.
23. Benjamin K, Edwards N, Ploeg J, Legault F. Barriers to physical activity and restorative care for residents in long-term care: A review of the literature. J Aging Phys Act 2014;22:154–65.
24. American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. 9th ed. American College of Sports Medicine; 2013.
25. Prevention of Falls Network Europe. Prevention of Falls Network Europe. Accessed 27 Nov 2017 at www.profane.eu.org/.
26. Sihvonen SE, Sipilä S, Era PA. Changes in postural balance in frail elderly women during a 4-week visual feedback training: a randomized controlled trial. Gerontology 2004;50:87–95.
27. Sakamoto K, Nakamura T, Hagino H, et al. Effects of unipedal standing balance exercise on the prevention of falls and hip fracture among clinically defined high-risk elderly individuals: a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Sci 2006;11:467–72.
28. Shimada H, Obuchi S, Furuna T, Suzuki T. New intervention program for preventing falls among frail elderly people: the effects of perturbed walking exercise using a bilateral separated treadmill. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:493–9.
29. Schnelle JF, Kapur K, Alessi C, et al. Does an exercise and incontinence intervention save healthcare costs in a nursing home population? J Am Geriatr Soc 2003;51:161–8.
30. Jensen J, Lundin-Olsson L, Nyberg L, Gustafson Y. Fall and injury prevention in older people living in residential care facilities: A cluster randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2002;136:733–41.
31. Dyer CAE. Falls prevention in residential care homes: a randomised controlled trial. Age Ageing 2004;33:596–602.
32. Huang T-T, Chung M-L, Chen F-R, Chin Y-F, Wang B-H. Evaluation of a combined cognitive-behavioural and exercise intervention to manage fear of falling among elderly residents in nursing homes. Aging Ment Health 2016;20:2–12.
33. Sihvonen S, Sipilä S, Taskinen S, Era P. Fall incidence in frail older women after individualized visual feedback-based balance training. Gerontology 2004;50:411–6.
34. Lord SR, Castell S, Corcoran J, et al. The effect of group exercise on physical functioning and falls in frail older people living in retirement villages: a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Geriatr Soc 2003;51:1685–92.
35. Becker C, Kron M, Lindemann U, et al. Effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention on falls in nursing home residents. J Am Geriatr Soc 2003;51:306–13.
36. Becker C, Kron M, Lindemann U, et al. Effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention on falls in nursing home residents. J Am Geriatr Soc 2003;51:306–13.
37. Jensen J, Lundin-Olsson L, Nyberg L, Gustafson Y. Fall and injury prevention in older people living in residential care facilities. A cluster randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2002;136:733–41.
38. Moreland JD, Richardson JA, Goldsmith CH, Clase CM. Muscle weakness and falls in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc 2004;52: 1121–9.
39. Chodzko-Zajko WJ, Proctor DN, Fiatarone Singh MA, et al. Exercise and physical activity for older adults. Med Sci Sport Exerc 2009;41:1510–30.
40. de Souto Barreto P, Morley JE, Chodzko-Zajko W, et al. Recommendations on physical activity and exercise for older adults living in long-term care facilities: a taskforce report. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016;17:381–92.
41. American College of Sports Medicine. Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Med Sci Sport Exerc 2009;41:687–708.
42. Fietzek UM, Schroeteler FE, Ziegler K, et al. Randomized cross-over trial to investigate the efficacy of a two-week physiotherapy programme with repetitive exercises of cueing to reduce the severity of freezing of gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Clin Rehabil 2014;28:902–11.
43. Patterson C, Feightner J, Garcia A, MacKnight C. General risk factors for dementia: A systematic evidence review. Alzheimer Dement 2007;3:341–7.
44. Roach KE, Tappen RM, Kirk-Sanchez N, et al. A randomized controlled trial of an activity specific exercise program for individuals with alzheimer disease in long-term care settings. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2011;34:50–6.
45. Christofoletti G, Oliani MM, Gobbi S, et al. A controlled clinical trial on the effects of motor intervention on balance and cognition in institutionalized elderly patients with dementia. Clin Rehabil 2008;22:618–26.
46. van Alphen HJM, Hortobágyi T, van Heuvelen MJG. Barriers, motivators, and facilitators of physical activity in dementia patients: A systematic review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2016;66:109–18.
47. Alzheimer Society of Ontario. Rethink Dementia. Accessed 18 Sep 2017 at http://rethinkdementia.ca/.
48. Roach KE, Tappen RM, Kirk-Sanchez N, et al. A randomized controlled trial of an activity specific exercise program for individuals with Alzheimer disease in long-term care settings. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2011;34:50–6.
49. Brach JS, Perera S, Gilmore S, et al. Effectiveness of a timing and coordination group exercise program to improve mobility in community-dwelling older adults. JAMA Intern Med August 2017.
50. Rosher RB, Robinson S. Impact of the Eden alternative on family satisfaction. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2005;6:189–93.
51. Crandall LG, White DL, Schuldheis S, Talerico KA. Initiating person-centered care practices in long-term care facilities. J Gerontol Nurs 2007;33:47–56.
52. Sims-Gould J, McKay HA, Feldman F, et al. Autonomy, choice, patient-centered care, and hip protectors: the experience of residents and staff in long-term care. J Appl Gerontol 2014;33:690–709.
53. Robinovitch SN, Cronin T. Perception of postural limits in elderly nursing home and day care participants. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 1999;54:B124-30.
54. Perkins MM, Ball MM, Whittington FJ, Hollingsworth C. Relational autonomy in assisted living: a focus on diverse care settings for older adults. J Aging Stud 2012;26:214–25.
55. Brownie S, Nancarrow S. Effects of person-centered care on residents and staff in aged-care facilities: a systematic review. Clin Interv Aging 2013;8:1–10.
56. Coleman MT, Looney S, O’Brien J, et al. The Eden Alternative: findings after 1 year of implementation. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2002;57:M422–7.
57. Chenoweth L, King MT, Jeon Y-H, et al. Caring for Aged Dementia Care Resident Study (CADRES) of personcentred care, dementia-care mapping, and usual care in dementia: a cluster-randomised trial. Lancet Neurol 2009;8: 317–25.
58. Bergman-Evans B. Beyond the basics. Effects of the Eden Alternative model on quality of life issues. J Gerontol Nurs 2004;30:27–34.
59. Robinson SB, Rosher RB. Tangling with the barriers to culture change: creating a resident-centered nursing home environment. J Gerontol Nurs 2006;32:19–25.
60. Cameron ID, Gillespie LD, Robertson MC, et al. Interventions for preventing falls in older people in care facilities and hospitals. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;12.
61. Papaioannou A, Santesso N, Morin SN, et al. Recommendations for preventing fracture in long-term care. Can Med Assoc J 2015;187:1135–44.
62. Stubbs B, Denkinger MD, Brefka S, Dallmeier D. What works to prevent falls in older adults dwelling in long term care facilities and hospitals? An umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials. Maturitas 2015;81:335–42.
1. Harris IA, Yong S, McEvoy L, Thorn L. A prospective study of the effect of nursing home residency on mortality following hip fracture. ANZ J Surg 2010;80:447–50.
2. Ooms ME, Vlasman P, Lips P, et al. The incidence of hip fractures in independent and institutionalized elderly people. Osteoporos Int 1994;4:6–10.
3. Ayoung-Chee P, McIntyre L, Ebel BE, et al. Long-term outcomes of ground-level falls in the elderly. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2014;76:498–503.
4. Heinrich S, Rapp K, Rissmann U, et al. Cost of falls in old age: a systematic review. Osteoporos Int 2010;21: 891–902.
5. Rubenstein LZ, Josephson KR, Robbins AS. Falls in the nursing home. Ann Intern Med 1994;121:442–51.
6. Hartholt KA, van Beeck EF, Polinder S, et al. Societal consequences of falls in the older population: injuries, healthcare costs, and long-term reduced quality of life. J Trauma
2011;71:748–53.
7. Robinovitch SN, Feldman F, Yang Y, et al. Video capture of the circumstances of falls in elderly people residing in long-term care: an observational study. Lancet 2013;381:
47–54.
8. Rapp K, Becker C, Cameron ID, et al. Epidemiology of falls in residential aged care: analysis of more than 70,000 falls from residents of bavarian nursing homes. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2012;13:187.
9. Büchele G, Becker C, Cameron ID, et al. Predictors of serious consequences of falls in residential aged care: analysis of more than 70,000 falls from residents of Bavarian nursing homes. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2014;15:559–63.
10. McArthur C, Gonzalez DA, Roy E, Giangregorio L. What are the circumstances of falls and fractures in long-term care? Can J Aging / La Rev Can du Vieil 2016;35:491–8.
11. Chin A Paw MJM, van Poppel MNM, van Mechelen W. Effects of resistance and functional-skills training on habitual activity and constipation among older adults living in long-term care facilities: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr 2006;6:9.
12. Ikezoe T, Asakawa Y, Shima H, et al. Daytime physical activity patterns and physical fitness in institutionalized elderly women: an exploratory study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2013;57:221–5.
13. Senior HE, Henwood TR, Beller EM, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia among adults living in nursing homes. Maturitas 2015;82:418–23.
14. Smoliner C, Sieber CC, Wirth R. Prevalence of sarcopenia in geriatric hospitalized patients. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2014;15:267–72.
15. Landi F, Liperoti R, Fusco D, et al. Sarcopenia and mortality among older nursing home residents. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2012;13:121–6.
16. Yalcin A, Aras S, Atmis V, et al. Sarcopenia prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in older people living in a nursing home in Ankara Turkey. Geriatr Gerontol Int
2016;16:903–10.
17. Sherrington C, Michaleff ZA, Fairhall N, et al. Exercise to prevent falls in older adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med October 2016.
18. Liu C, Latham NK. Progressive resistance strength training for improving physical function in older adults. In: Liu C, ed. Cochrane Database Syst Rev;2009:CD002759.
19. Cameron ID, Gillespie LD, Robertson MC, et al. Interventions for preventing falls in older people in care facilities and hospitals. Cochrane Database Syst Rev;2012:CD005465.
20. Silva RB, Eslick GD, Duque G. Exercise for falls and fracture prevention in long term care facilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2013;14:685–9.
21. Hirdes JP, Mitchell L, Maxwell CJ, White N. Beyond the “iron lungs of gerontology”: Using evidence to shape the future of nursing homes in Canada. Can J Aging 2011;30: 371–90.
22. Benjamin K, Edwards N, Guitard P, et al. Factors that influence physical activity in long-term care: Perspectives of residents, staff, and significant others. Can J Aging 2011;30:247–58.
23. Benjamin K, Edwards N, Ploeg J, Legault F. Barriers to physical activity and restorative care for residents in long-term care: A review of the literature. J Aging Phys Act 2014;22:154–65.
24. American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. 9th ed. American College of Sports Medicine; 2013.
25. Prevention of Falls Network Europe. Prevention of Falls Network Europe. Accessed 27 Nov 2017 at www.profane.eu.org/.
26. Sihvonen SE, Sipilä S, Era PA. Changes in postural balance in frail elderly women during a 4-week visual feedback training: a randomized controlled trial. Gerontology 2004;50:87–95.
27. Sakamoto K, Nakamura T, Hagino H, et al. Effects of unipedal standing balance exercise on the prevention of falls and hip fracture among clinically defined high-risk elderly individuals: a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Sci 2006;11:467–72.
28. Shimada H, Obuchi S, Furuna T, Suzuki T. New intervention program for preventing falls among frail elderly people: the effects of perturbed walking exercise using a bilateral separated treadmill. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:493–9.
29. Schnelle JF, Kapur K, Alessi C, et al. Does an exercise and incontinence intervention save healthcare costs in a nursing home population? J Am Geriatr Soc 2003;51:161–8.
30. Jensen J, Lundin-Olsson L, Nyberg L, Gustafson Y. Fall and injury prevention in older people living in residential care facilities: A cluster randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2002;136:733–41.
31. Dyer CAE. Falls prevention in residential care homes: a randomised controlled trial. Age Ageing 2004;33:596–602.
32. Huang T-T, Chung M-L, Chen F-R, Chin Y-F, Wang B-H. Evaluation of a combined cognitive-behavioural and exercise intervention to manage fear of falling among elderly residents in nursing homes. Aging Ment Health 2016;20:2–12.
33. Sihvonen S, Sipilä S, Taskinen S, Era P. Fall incidence in frail older women after individualized visual feedback-based balance training. Gerontology 2004;50:411–6.
34. Lord SR, Castell S, Corcoran J, et al. The effect of group exercise on physical functioning and falls in frail older people living in retirement villages: a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Geriatr Soc 2003;51:1685–92.
35. Becker C, Kron M, Lindemann U, et al. Effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention on falls in nursing home residents. J Am Geriatr Soc 2003;51:306–13.
36. Becker C, Kron M, Lindemann U, et al. Effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention on falls in nursing home residents. J Am Geriatr Soc 2003;51:306–13.
37. Jensen J, Lundin-Olsson L, Nyberg L, Gustafson Y. Fall and injury prevention in older people living in residential care facilities. A cluster randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2002;136:733–41.
38. Moreland JD, Richardson JA, Goldsmith CH, Clase CM. Muscle weakness and falls in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc 2004;52: 1121–9.
39. Chodzko-Zajko WJ, Proctor DN, Fiatarone Singh MA, et al. Exercise and physical activity for older adults. Med Sci Sport Exerc 2009;41:1510–30.
40. de Souto Barreto P, Morley JE, Chodzko-Zajko W, et al. Recommendations on physical activity and exercise for older adults living in long-term care facilities: a taskforce report. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016;17:381–92.
41. American College of Sports Medicine. Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Med Sci Sport Exerc 2009;41:687–708.
42. Fietzek UM, Schroeteler FE, Ziegler K, et al. Randomized cross-over trial to investigate the efficacy of a two-week physiotherapy programme with repetitive exercises of cueing to reduce the severity of freezing of gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Clin Rehabil 2014;28:902–11.
43. Patterson C, Feightner J, Garcia A, MacKnight C. General risk factors for dementia: A systematic evidence review. Alzheimer Dement 2007;3:341–7.
44. Roach KE, Tappen RM, Kirk-Sanchez N, et al. A randomized controlled trial of an activity specific exercise program for individuals with alzheimer disease in long-term care settings. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2011;34:50–6.
45. Christofoletti G, Oliani MM, Gobbi S, et al. A controlled clinical trial on the effects of motor intervention on balance and cognition in institutionalized elderly patients with dementia. Clin Rehabil 2008;22:618–26.
46. van Alphen HJM, Hortobágyi T, van Heuvelen MJG. Barriers, motivators, and facilitators of physical activity in dementia patients: A systematic review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2016;66:109–18.
47. Alzheimer Society of Ontario. Rethink Dementia. Accessed 18 Sep 2017 at http://rethinkdementia.ca/.
48. Roach KE, Tappen RM, Kirk-Sanchez N, et al. A randomized controlled trial of an activity specific exercise program for individuals with Alzheimer disease in long-term care settings. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2011;34:50–6.
49. Brach JS, Perera S, Gilmore S, et al. Effectiveness of a timing and coordination group exercise program to improve mobility in community-dwelling older adults. JAMA Intern Med August 2017.
50. Rosher RB, Robinson S. Impact of the Eden alternative on family satisfaction. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2005;6:189–93.
51. Crandall LG, White DL, Schuldheis S, Talerico KA. Initiating person-centered care practices in long-term care facilities. J Gerontol Nurs 2007;33:47–56.
52. Sims-Gould J, McKay HA, Feldman F, et al. Autonomy, choice, patient-centered care, and hip protectors: the experience of residents and staff in long-term care. J Appl Gerontol 2014;33:690–709.
53. Robinovitch SN, Cronin T. Perception of postural limits in elderly nursing home and day care participants. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 1999;54:B124-30.
54. Perkins MM, Ball MM, Whittington FJ, Hollingsworth C. Relational autonomy in assisted living: a focus on diverse care settings for older adults. J Aging Stud 2012;26:214–25.
55. Brownie S, Nancarrow S. Effects of person-centered care on residents and staff in aged-care facilities: a systematic review. Clin Interv Aging 2013;8:1–10.
56. Coleman MT, Looney S, O’Brien J, et al. The Eden Alternative: findings after 1 year of implementation. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2002;57:M422–7.
57. Chenoweth L, King MT, Jeon Y-H, et al. Caring for Aged Dementia Care Resident Study (CADRES) of personcentred care, dementia-care mapping, and usual care in dementia: a cluster-randomised trial. Lancet Neurol 2009;8: 317–25.
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