We are delighted to share that research involving Roar Connections For Life and members of our Otago exercise groups has been published in Age and Ageing, a leading international journal focused on ageing and geriatric medicine. The study was led by Shane Seeley, who worked with older adults at Roar while undertaking his research. The study explored whether a short programme of floor-rise training could improve older adults’ ability and confidence in getting back up after a fall.
Falls are a significant concern for older adults, not only because of the risk of injury but also because of what can happen afterwards. Being unable to get up after a fall can lead to longer periods on the floor, increased anxiety and a greater need for support. The research involved 61 older adults attending community-based Otago exercise classes, including participants from Roar. The intervention involved practising safe techniques for moving from the floor back to a standing position over a number of short sessions.
The findings showed that participants who completed the floor-rise training significantly improved their ability to get up from the floor. After completing the training, all participants in the intervention group were able to independently rise from the floor, compared with no change in the comparison group. Participants also completed the movements more quickly and reported improved confidence in managing the risk of a fall.
While the training did not significantly change fear of falling, the results highlight the value of including practical skills such as floor-rise training within falls prevention programmes. The research suggests that simple, targeted practice can support independence and help older adults feel more prepared if they do experience a fall. We are proud that Roar and the study participants are recognised in the acknowledgements of the published paper. The research would not have been possible without the involvement of our members, instructors and wider Roar community.
The full article is available as an open access publication, and a free PDF can be downloaded here:
https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afag064
We would like to thank Shane for involving Roar in this important research and for highlighting the contribution that community-based services can make to improving health, wellbeing and independence in later life.
