Comparisons of Interventions for Preventing Falls in Older Adults
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Question What types of fall-prevention programs may be effective for reducing injurious falls in older people?
Findings In a network meta-analysis including 54 studies and 41 596 participants, exercise (odds ratio [OR], 0.51), combined exercise, vision assessment and treatment, and environmental assessment and modification (OR, 0.30), combined exercise, and vision assessment and treatment (OR, 0.17), and combined clinic-level quality-improvement strategies, multifactorial assessment and treatment, calcium supplementation, and vitamin D supplementation (OR, 0.12) were significantly associated with reductions in injurious falls.
Meaning The analysis identified combinations of interventions likely to be more effective than usual care for preventing injurious falls.
