Investigating How A Community Peer-exercise Program Aiming To Reduce Risk Of Falls Challenges Balance

INTRODUCTION: Older adults who engage in balance-challenging exercise programs for three hours per week are 51% less likely to fall. However, only 6% of Canadian fall prevention programs adhere to these guidelines, and accurately measuring balance-focused exercise remains a persistent challenge. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the perceived balance challenge from participants involved in Zoomers in Balance, a community peer-led fall prevention exercise program and explore if some participants’ characteristics are associated with balance intensity. METHODS: A total of 919 returning participants were sent a survey based on the Monash University Balance Intensity Scale during the 2024 winter session. The survey included questions regarding perceived balance intensity: what level of effort is needed to maintain balance during most exercises? 1-No effort at all; 2- A little effort; 3-Some effort; 4-A lot of effort; 5-Maximal effort, attendance, years of participation, the mode of delivery (e.g., in-person, online, or both called hybrid), and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 398 participants answered the survey with an average age of 69 years, 88.6% were female, 23.5% participated in person, 12.5% participated online, and 64% used both (hybrid). Participants averaged a 3.2 ± 0.7 on the intensity score with no difference among groups (p = 0.32). Age (r = 0.13; p = 0.01), but not years of participation nor sex or attendance, was associated with balance intensity. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, the average Zoomers in Balance participants report some effort (3/5) to maintain balance during the exercise programs, with increased effort with age. More studies are needed to know how much effort is needed to have a meaningful impact on the risk of falls. Canadian Institutes of Health Research