Kuopio Fall Prevention Study

In our preliminary analysis, after combining the data from functional tests with national health registers, we have recently shown a long-term relationship between poor functional performance, hip fractures and mortality.

In 4/2016 a 2-year randomized controlled trial was launched to investigate the effect of exercise intervention on falling risk in aging women (n=914), using municipal sport and activity services/premises in co-operation with the city of Kuopio. Furthermore, the effect of the exercise intervention on functional capacity, body sway, bone mineral density, cognitive and mental health parameters as well as the use of health services (cost-effectiveness) will be studied.

Design of the KFPS study

Protocol of the Kuopio Fall Prevention Study RCT included a 24 month follow-up with a 6 months supervised exercise intervention. All falls were monitored for 24 months with a biweekly SMS text messages. Reported falls were validated through phone interviews. National health registry information has been collected. On-site health examinations and clinical measurements including functional capacity, muscle strength, DXA scan and cognitive well-being were performed for all the women attending at baseline, at 12 months, and at 24 months study visit.