Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Translated “A Matter of Balance” Fall Prevention Program Materials for Non-English-Speaking Participants

Abstract

A Matter of Balance (MOB) is an evidence-based fall prevention program shown to reduce fear of falling (FOF) in English speaking participants. The effectiveness of translated (Chinese and Spanish) MOB materials in reducing FOF is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether MOB was associated with reduced FOF in Chinese- and Spanish-speaking participants, and included an English-speaking comparison group. Participants were recruited from MOB classes in Massachusetts and Illinois. Investigators used the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and a demographic questionnaire to survey the participants at the first class (baseline), last class, and 6 months after the MOB course. Of the 90 participants who enrolled, 77 (85.6%) completed the course (Chinese [n=37]; Spanish [n=19], English [n=21]), and 54 (60%) completed the 6-month survey (Chinese [n=33], English [n=21]). Chinese FES-I scores significantly increased (FOF worsened) at the end of the course (+7.1, p=0.009) and 6 month survey scores were also significantly above baseline (+6.7, p=0.0088). FES-I scores decreased (FOF declined) in both the Spanish (−6.6, p=0.016) and English groups (−2.7, p=0.14) at last class, and English 6 month FES-I scores were slightly lower than baseline (−0.4, p=0.8). Participation in the MOB program did not reduce FOF in the Chinese population but MOB did show promise in reducing FOF in both the Spanish and English groups. Future studies are warranted to explore the cultural, social, and education-related factors that may influence effectiveness of the MOB program.

Matter of Balance Classes Through Physical Therapist Fall Risk Assessment

“…This study found that an 8-week community-based Matter of Balance program improved participants' balance and strength. The Matter of Balance program has been extensively studied on reducing a participant's fear of falling through cognitive restructuring (CDC, 2019a; Sartor-Glittenberg, Bordenave, Bay, Bordenave, & Alexander, 2018; Wolfe, Arabian, Breeze, & Bugaev, 2018), but few include physical outcome measures such as balance and strength. Palmer and Mercer (2019) evaluated Matter of Balance on self-reported physical activity levels and found no effect.…”

Screening for Risk of Fall-Related Inpatient Trauma in a US Acute Care Setting

“…The Fall Efficacy Scale (FES), though widely used in community and long-term care settings [ 11 , 12 ], is currently not a standard tool used within the acute care setting [ 13 , 14 ]. The FES asks patients specific questions regarding their ability to complete activities with or without assistance, such as "how confident are you that you can get dressed without assistance" [ 13 , 14 ].…”