Oregon Research Institute

Developing an Efficacious and Cost-Effective Fall Prevention Program

In the United States, at least one in every three adults aged 65 and older falls each year. Fall-related injuries are a significant cause of premature death, disability, loss of independence, and early admission to nursing homes.

Details

There are currently a number of evidence-based, exercise-related fall prevention programs recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but there is little information for decision makers, policy makers, and health planners about the costs of these programs. Dr. Li and his team are studying whether Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance -- one of the most commonly recommended and adopted exercise-based programs in the U.S. -- can be both efficacious and cost effective. The results from this research will fill an important knowledge gap in the fall prevention field and satisfy an increasing community service need for efficacious, cost-effective, and community-based fall prevention programs.