Falls Research

Introduction

The aim of our research group is to explore and evaluate the physiological, psychological, and biomechanical components involved in the prevention of, and rehabilitation from, falls.  We work with local health services primarily focusing on interventions designed to reduce falls in community dwelling older adults (>65 years. Identification and subsequent reduction risk factors by multi-factorial assessment and intervention means that independence and quality of life can be maintained for longer in later life.

On-going projects

  • Hywel Dda Health Board: Bronglais Hospital Falls Clinic Aberystwyth. Collaborative project measuring changes in strength, balance, gait, motivation and behaviours toward exercise, before, during and after participation in a 6-18 week falls prevention exercise intervention
  • Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board: Tywyn Fall Service, Tywyn Hospital. Collaborative project exploring changes in motivation for physical activity and psychological need satisfaction in falls patients during post-fall exercise rehabilitation. The project is also exploring changes in physical activity identity in falls patients during post-fall exercise rehabilitation and potential mechanisms explaining identity changes (i.e., changes in motivation, physical activity level, need satisfaction, and, patients’ physical activity related self-talk).

          Hudson, J., Oliver, E.J., Thomas, L., & Higgs, F. (2012). Functional and Psychological Changes during a Community-based 32 Week Postural Stability Training Programme: Recommendations for Future Practice. In Partnership with Physiotherapy Department, BCUHB and the National Exercise Referral Scheme, Gwynedd. Commissioned for the Strategic Falls Steering Group, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Group members

PhD students

Collaborators

  • Dr Hugh Chadderton Ph.D.
  • Dr Graham Boswell MD
  • Clare Horton (Chartered Physiotherapist; Senior Physiotherapist, Tywyn Hospital)
  • Rachael Roberts (Exercise Professional, Canolfan Hamdden Bro Dysynni)

Approaches

  • Motion Analysis of gait
  • Ground Reaction Force analysis of balance and gait
  • Isokinetic Dynamometry
  • Psychological questionnaires for motivation and behaviour
  • Qualitative interview

Impact/Outreach

It is anticipated that project outcomes will influence future programmes held in the region. Research group members also contribute to the Ceredigion Strategic Falls Group. Ongoing research observations are fed into the group which determines policy and practice in the region. Personal and financial burdens for patients and their care providers are relieved. In addition there is a significant reduction in costs for national health services incurred by treatment of fall-related injuries including hip-replacements and long-term care due to loss of independence.