An intervention to reduce fear of falling and enhance activity: Who is most likely to benefit?

The reasons for sources of inactivity among older adults can be both physic al and psychological. Fear of falling is a common psychological source of r estricted activity. The efficacy of a group intervention to reduce fear of failing and associated activity restriction was established in a randomized controlled trial by the authors and their colleagues. The objective of thi s analysis was to investigate who was most likely to benefit from this inte rvention. Data from baseline and la-month follow-up were used to identify p redictors in change of two targeted attitudes-fear of falling and ability t o manage falls-that were considered to precede change in activity level. Th e predictors of the two outcomes were similar. Subjects who reported less p hysical and social dysfunction, more concerns about falling, and greater se lf-efficacy in doing something about their concerns were most likely to ben efit from the intervention. Men were more likely than women to achieve grea ter ability to manage falls. These findings can be used to target the inter vention to persons in greatest need or to modify the intervention to better meet the needs of others.