Majority of the world studies emphasized either of the physical or psychological outcomes for fall prevention, the combined effects was rarely evaluated, yet this multifactorial intervention addressing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social health in older adults is vital in aging society. This pioneer study evaluated a community fall prevention program integrating occupational therapy and dance/movement therapy for community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong. The program combined physical exercises, rhythmic dance, sensory-based body awareness, emotional expression, and social interaction. Take-home practice videos and a follow-up community dance troupe supported continuity. In total, 230 older adults attended six ten‑session groups delivered in collaboration with District Health Centers. A pre–post design with paired dependent samples was adopted. Physical outcomes were measured using the uni-pedal stance test (balance) and the Timed-Up & Go (TUG) test (mobility). Psychological outcomes, including fear of falling and well-being, were assessed using the revised Fear of Falling Questionnaire (FFQ-R) and the 5‑Item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO‑5). Descriptive statistics, paired‑sample t‑tests, and Wilcoxon tests were used to analyze changes. Significant improvements were found in balance and mobility (uni-pedal stance and TUG, both p < 0.001). Fear of falling decreased, while positive well-being increased, also with strong statistical significance (both p < 0.001). The results indicate that an integrated occupational therapy and dance/movement therapy program can enhance mobility, balance, confidence, and psychological well-being among community-dwelling older adults, supporting its adoption as a feasible community fall prevention strategy. Further controlled trials are recommended to confirm effectiveness and improve generalizability.

Authors:
Wan Chee V Yim, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Yan Yan Crista Kwok, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Sau Ting Cynthia Wu, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. V Yim is currently a clinical supervisor and guest lecturer(health promotion) of School of Nursing, and reserach assistant of Department of Rehabilitation Science at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University with study of using creative arts therarpy.

Ms. Crista Kwok is a clinical supervisor & guest lecturer (health promotion) of School of Nursing HKPU and senior counselling & training consultant of Caritas Heartspring & Human Empowerment & Achievement Training Centres focusing on body-mind work.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/crista-kwok-6a4b8057

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/V-Wan-Chee-Yim

Additional website of interest
http://www.doi.org/10.29011/2688-9501.101556

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