Integrated Exposure Therapy and Exercise Reduces Fear of Falling and Avoidance in Older Adults: A Randomized Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and acceptability of a novel 8-week intervention integrating exercise, exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, and a home safety evaluation, conducted by a physical therapist, in reducing fear of falling and activity avoidance. To collect preliminary evidence of efficacy.

DESIGN

Randomized pilot study comparing the intervention to time- and attention-equivalent fall prevention education.

SETTING

Participants' homes.

PARTICIPANTS

42 older adults with disproportionate fear of falling (high fear, low to moderate objective fall risk).

MEASUREMENTS

Falls Efficacy Scale-International, modified Activity Card Sort, satisfaction, falls.

RESULTS

Relative to education, the intervention reduced fear of falling (d = 1.23) and activity avoidance (d = 1.02) at 8 weeks, but effects eroded over a 6-month follow-up period. The intervention did not increase falls, and participants rated the exercise, exposure therapy, and non-specific elements as most helpful.

CONCLUSIONS

An integration of exercise and exposure therapy may help older adults with disproportionate fear of falling, but modifications to the intervention or its duration may be needed to maintain participants' gains.