Increasing the Accessibility of a Falls Prevention Intervention for Community Dwelling Older Adults With Low Vision

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study serves to test a previously evaluated falls prevention intervention recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, entitled the Study of Accidental Falls in the Elderly (SAFE) Health Behavior and Exercise Intervention, to evaluate if the intervention is accessible to older adults with low vision receiving services from the Southeastern Blind Rehabilitation Center (SBRC). This study also serves to pilot a version of the SAFE intervention that has been adapted to be accessible for individuals with low vision at SBRC.

Detailed Description
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This study serves to compare the comprehension and retention of individuals completing a version of the SAFE falls prevention intervention adapted for low vision versus individuals receiving the original intervention. One group of participants will complete the standard SAFE intervention format while another group will complete the same intervention with written materials adapted for those with vision loss. One intervention (either standard or adapted SAFE program) will be delivered at a time. The SAFE intervention is comprised of four, 90-minute group classes that address environmental, behavioral, and physical falls risk factors. Classes involve lecture and group discussions as well as review of low intensity exercises. The adapted content is presented in large print with high contrast and has been rewritten on a lower grade level. A nutritionist, a physical therapist, a physician, 5 older adults with low vision, 10 low vision occupational therapist, and 5 health literacy experts provided feedback to strengthen the adapted intervention.

Official Title
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Increasing the Accessibility of a Falls Prevention Intervention for Community Dwelling Older Adults With Low Vision

Conditions
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Low Vision, Fall

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Original SAFE Intervention
* Behavioral: Adapted SAFE Intervention


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 60 and older; Visual impairment with some remaining reading ability. Exclusion Criteria: Less than age 60; Complete blindness; Vertebral osteoporosis.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Sequential Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Adapted SAFE Intervention<br>Adapted version of the SAFE Health Behavior and Exercise intervention. | Behavioral: Adapted SAFE Intervention<br>* An adapted version of the SAFE intervention meant to target older adults with low vision.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Original SAFE Intervention<br>Original version of the SAFE intervention. | Behavioral: Original SAFE Intervention<br>* A CDC recommended, evidence-based falls prevention intervention.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in knowledge of falls prevention | 10 multiple choice questions based on the SAFE intervention content | Pre and post (2 weeks after start of intervention delivery) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Short Physical Performance Battery | Measures of balance, gait, and sit to stand | Pre | 
| PROMIS Depression Scale | Measures depression | Pre | 
| PROMIS Participation Scale | Measures daily participation | Pre | 
| PROMIS Global Health | Measures general health | Pre | 
| UAB Life-Space Inventory | Measures places travelled within past month | Pre |