The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of seated exercises and weight-bearing (WB) exercises with social visits on fall risk factors in older people recently discharged from hospital. 180 subjects aged 65 and older, recently discharged from hospital underwent seated exercises (n=60), WB exercises (n=60), and social visits (n=60). Primary outcome factors were Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) fall risk score, and balance while standing (Coordinated Stability and Maximal Balance Range tests). Secondary outcomes included the component parts of the PPA and other physical and psychosocial measures.Subjects were tested at baseline and at completion of the intervention period. After 12 weeks of interventions, subjects in the WB exercise group had significantly better performance than the social visit group on PPA score, Coordinated Stability, Maximal Balance Range; body sway on floor with eyes closed; and finger-press reaction time (P=.007) tests. The seated exercise group performed better than the social visit group in PPA score but for no other outcome factor.
In older people recently discharged from the hospital, both exercise programs reduced fall risk score in older people. The WB exercises led to additional beneficial impacts for controlled leaning, reaction time, and caused less musculoskeletal soreness than the seated exercises.