A framework for the assessment of community exercise programmes: a tool to assist in modifying programmes to help reduce falls risk factors.

BACKGROUND falls in older adults is a significant global public health challenge. Exercise interventions which incorporate the physiological components of balance and strength can reduce falls risk. However, the optimum qualities, such as type, duration and frequency of engagement in these exercise programmes, are yet to be established. OBJECTIVE the overall research project aimed to develop and test a tool for the assessment of physiological criteria in community exercise programmes and to determine which community exercise programmes may be modified to help reduce falls risk factors. This initial phase of the research and the aim of this paper are to describe the development of the Community Exercise Program Assessment Matrix (the Matrix). METHODS a review of the falls literature identified an existing classification system, which guided the development of the Matrix. An expert panel assisted in reviewing, testing and ongoing refinement of the Matrix. RESULTS the Matrix contains a range of physiological and cognitive components as well as other items which capture non-physiological components. After testing some modifications were made to the Matrix to aid usage. CONCLUSION this paper has outlined the development of the Matrix, which is intended to be used for the recording of physiological components (related to falls prevention) of an exercise programme in terms of type, duration and frequency. The next step is to use the Matrix in conjunction with pre- and post-physiological testing of participants to assess a range of exercise programmes and changes in participant physiological functioning.