Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Digital Falls Prevention Program Versus Usual Care to Improve Balance, Falls Risk, and Function in Older Adults: Protocol for the Keep-On-Keep-Up Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Background: Falls are the primary cause of fatal and nonfatal accidental injuries in older adults. The World Falls Prevention Guidelines recommend balance-challenging, functional exercise programs as a key strategy for falls prevention, but access, uptake, and adherence to these programs in community settings remain suboptimal. Keep-On-Keep-Up (KOKU), a digital, National Health Service-approved program, was codeveloped with older adults and therapists to provide progressive, evidence-based exercises and to raise awareness of falls prevention strategies.
Objective: This trial aims to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the KOKU digital strength and balance program for improving balance, enhancing physical function, and reducing falls risk among community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: This is a 2-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. A total of 196 community-dwelling older adults 60 years and older will be randomized to either the intervention group, comprising a digital strength and balance program (KOKU) alongside standard care (strength and balance exercise advice and a falls prevention leaflet), or to a control group, receiving standard care only. Participants receiving the intervention will be asked to exercise 3 times per week following the tailored and progressive program. Randomization will take place after recruitment and baseline data collection. The trial's primary outcome measure is balance function (Berg Balance Score) at 12 weeks…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 202 participants or records.
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