Older adults at fall risk had modestly fewer falls when primary care clinics were able to prescribe short home strength and balance exercises, according to a recent study. The trial, known as eSTEPS, found that patients receiving these tailored programs experienced a 9% lower rate of falls compared to those receiving standard care.
How the eSTEPS trial worked
Researchers conducted the study across 22 primary care practices, involving 11,945 adults aged 65 and older who had screened positive for fall risk. The intervention utilized a digital tool within electronic health records to alert clinicians when a patient was at risk.
When an alert appeared, doctors could prescribe a simplified version of the Otago Exercise Programme. Key features of the program included:
- Ten-minute sessions requiring no extra equipment
- Four different difficulty levels, including seated options
- Support via handouts, a website, and a mobile app with videos
What were the results for older adults at fall risk?
While the reduction in falls was described as modest, the data showed measurable improvements. Practices using the exercise tool recorded 19.3 falls per 100 patient-years, while usual care practices recorded 21.2. The study also noted a decrease in fall-related injuries, particularly among participants aged 76 and older.
Researchers estimated that approximately 29 patients would need to be enrolled in the program for two years to prevent a single fall. The study also found that the home exercises did not replace physical therapy, as referral rates remained similar between the two groups. The authors concluded that "falls and fall-related injuries were modestly reduced in older adults in primary care."
FAQ
Do these exercises require special equipment?
No, the sessions are designed to be short and do not require any additional equipment to perform.
Does this replace physical therapy?
No, the study suggests the home program acts as an additional option rather than a replacement for physical therapy referrals.
